Wholesome (and enjoyable!) issues to do that July — from the Summer season Olympics to Nationwide Ice Cream Day

We’ve made it to July — which implies summer time is formally in full swing. Contemplate protecting these feel-good reminders in your radar this month:

😷 Contemplate masking up. COVID-19 is as soon as once more making the rounds, and experts say it’s worth considering a mask in the event you’re high-risk or in a crowded, indoor location whereas native case counts are excessive.

🎇 Go simple on the at-home fireworks. Hitting up a roadside fireworks stand for some sparklers or Black Cat firecrackers is a time-honored custom for a lot of Individuals — however it’s also unsafe and virtually definitely annoying your neighbors (particularly those with children, dogs or an aversion to loud noises or disrupted sleep). As a substitute, think about celebrating July Fourth at a public fireworks show in your group — and produce headphones or earplugs to guard the youngsters’ (or your individual) listening to.

🍉 Use your melon. For those who’re stocking up on candy, juicy watermelons this summer time — and it’s best to, as a result of they’re hydrating and packed with antioxidants and nutrients together with nutritional vitamins A and C — be sure to’re giving the rind a radical wash earlier than consuming. Recent testing from Consumer Reports discovered that watermelons had been among the many vegetables and fruit with the very best threat of pesticides. Even in the event you aren’t planning to eat the thick rind (although, for the file, you possibly can — think about pickling it or turning it into kimchi), specialists suggest utilizing cool water and a scrub brush (no cleaning soap or detergents wanted) to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticides earlier than chopping up your watermelon. Now you can safely sink your enamel right into a contemporary wedge — or whip up a fun summertime recipe like watermelon poke. Bonus: It’ll help cool you down in the heat.

🥬 Hail, Caesar. Along with being America’s birthday, this July Fourth additionally marks the centennial of the Caesar salad. Yep, we’ve been consuming these crunchy, creamy salads for 100 years, and whereas there’s a mixed response to just how healthy they are, getting extra greens isn’t a nasty factor. Simply go simple on the dressing (or go for a low-fat version) and add a protein (grilled hen, salmon, shrimp) to get extra out of your meal. And watch out for those raw eggs in the dressing!

👩🏽‍⚕️ Help BIPOC Psychological Well being. July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and other people of coloration) Psychological Well being Month, which is meant to raise up communities of coloration as they navigate the stress related to historic trauma, systemic racism and different distinctive challenges. In keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Office of Health Equity, it is a good time for BIPOC people to prioritize their well-being and give attention to wholesome coping methods, while allies can offer support, pay attention and do their half to not perpetuate bias or microaggressions.

🍦 Have an ice cream. Sunday, July 21, is Nationwide Ice Cream Day, which implies you may discover offers at your native scoop store. Now, ice cream will not be considered the healthiest deal with, however many dietitians say it’s perfectly fine in moderation — and you may all the time swap in strawberries or walnuts as a substitute of sprinkles or chocolate sauce as a topping.

🏅 Take inspiration from the Olympics. The 2024 Summer Games kick off in Paris on July 26, operating via Aug. 11. For those who’re trying to shake up your summer time health routine, it is a good place to begin. Perhaps it’s time to enterprise into the lap lane at your native pool, or lastly learn to dive. And also you don’t should be on Simone Biles’s degree (as a result of, frankly, who’s?) to join an grownup gymnastics class. If nothing else, analysis finds that cheering in your nation (or favourite athlete) can help strengthen community bonds and social identity.

👁️ See about these eyes. One appointment to make this July, aka Wholesome Imaginative and prescient Month? An eye exam, which medical doctors suggest doing not simply to find out whether or not you want glasses however to additionally verify for any early indicators of eye illness, reminiscent of glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.

This text was initially revealed on July 1 and has been up to date.