Depression

Everyone feels sad at times but people with depression feel sad all of the time.  Many people do not realize that they are depressed.  The good news is that it can be treated.

The causes of depression are varied:

• The way different parts of the brain "talk" to each other.
• Depression can run in families.
• Chronic illness.
• Stress.
• Alcohol or drug use.
• Having a baby.

The signs of depression can include:

• Sadness.
• Things that used to make you happy, don't make you happy anymore.
• No interest in eating.
• Eating too much, or all the time.
• Sleeping too little, or all the time.
• Feeling tired all the time.
• Feeling nervous or cranky.
• Crying a lot.
• Feeling guilty.
• Feeling hopeless.
• Trouble paying attention.
• Thinking of death or trying to kill yourself.

If you have some of these signs for more than two weeks go to your doctor or clinic.  Depression can be treated with medicine or counseling.  Sometimes both are used.

To learn more go to the National Institute of Mental Health.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov

Protect Your Family

Keep your children safe around water this summer.

Read the information from the CDC on protection the ones you love from drowning.

http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/Drowning/index.html

Working Out in the Summer

The experts at American University say heat stroke is just one strenuous workout away.

• Start by planning your outdoor exercise during the coolest time of the day, early morning. If that doesn't work, wait until after 5pm.
• Wear light colored clothes that wick away moisture, but wear as little as you can comfortably get away with.
• Protect any bare skin with sunscreen.
• Once your workout is under way, take it slow and easy. Acclimating your body to the heat takes time.
• And drink plenty of water, enough to replace what you lose. A good rule of thumb is to drink one pint of water for every pound you lose. 

Take Short Strolls

MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

Read about the benefits of 15 minute walks.

Buy a Pedometer

Something as easy and inexpensive as a pedometer may keep you moving.


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Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Make just a few changes for better health.


MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You

Minnesota Discovery Center - Run the Gauntlet

Keep Your Eyes Healthy

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics mentions these foods that can help promote healthier eyes:

• Nutrient-rich kale, which can help protect against sunlight damage, cataracts and macular degeneration.
• Sweet potatoes, which are rich in beta carotene and may help thwart macular degeneration.
• Strawberries, which are rich in vitamin C and may help reduce the risk of cataracts.
• Omega-3 fatty acid-rich salmon, which can help manage dry eyes and reduce the risk of macular degeneration.
• Green tea, which is loaded with antioxidants and may help protect against macular degeneration and cataracts.

Vegetarian Diets

 People who limit how much meat they eat and stick to mostly fruits and vegetables are less likely to die over any particular period of time, according to a new study.

MedlinePlus: Trusted Health Information for You