Five things to keep in mind for spring

As we roll into spring looking forward to longer days and hopes of warmer weather, there are a few things to keep in mind about our health. With the new season, come new health concerns, which is why in this Patch post we will give you five tips on how to stay healthy this spring

Try natural remedies for spring allergies.

First and foremost, avoid contact with allergens as much as you can. Springtime allergy sufferers should not sleep with open windows, as pollen residue will find its way onto window sills, dressers, pillows and sheets.

Quercetin, a substance found in foods such as the skin of red apples, red onions and black tea, can suppress the release of histamines from mast cells, acting as a natural solution for allergies. One homeopathic remedy we recommend is Allergy New England Mix, an oral spray that is specifically formulated to help the body respond to allergens found in New England.

It is important to begin your allergy regimen in advance of the arrival of the seasonal pollen, in order for it to be most effective.

Protect your skin.

As the temperature rises and we begin to spend more time outdoors, it is important to remember to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, which can cause skin cancer, benign growths, freckles, discolorations, age spots and wrinkles. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15 minutes before going outside and remember to reapply every two hours. There are a variety of natural sunscreens that don’t contain harsh chemicals and can be absorbed into the body.

Stay active.

Take advantage of the warmer weather and get out to exercise regularly, whether that be taking a stroll around the block or a long run around the high school track. Beside from the obvious benefit of burning fat, exercise helps reduce anxiety by releasing endorphins in the brain, boosts energy, and promotes a better night’s rest. While working out, make sure to stay hydrated.

Protect yourself from insects.

Use insect repellant whenever you expect to be around mosquitoes. You may want to avoid being outside altogether during the peak mosquito-biting hours around dusk and dawn in order to reduce your risk of mosquito-borne illnesses.

Wear long pants, shoes and socks to avoid ticks when walking in tall grass and check your body and clothing for ticks at the end of the day after participating in outdoor activities. The prompt removal of ticks can prevent the transmission of Lyme disease-causing bacterium since it takes 36 to 48 hours or more after a tick attaches itself to your body for it to transmit the bacterium.

Eat a healthy diet.

Eat three meals a day that consist of plenty of fruits and vegetables and take advantage of the fresh produce available to you. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so don’t skip it! This will only cause your blood sugar to drop, which decreases the body’s source of energy. Reducing your intake of white flour, white sugar, hydrogenated fats and processed foods will make you feel better and also offer additional energy.

Steve Bernardi is a registered compounding pharmacist and co-owner of Johnson Compounding & Wellness in Waltham (www.naturalcompounder.com). Readers with questions about natural or homeopathic medicine, compounded medications, or health in general can email steve@naturalcompounder.com or call 781-893-3870.