Grant Regional | aspire to live well | Spring 2018

>> health NEWS Go ahead and enjoy that massage Lots of us think of massage as a luxury. But growing evidence suggests it’s much more than an extravagance. In fact, massage therapy—the general term for the many different types of massage— may actually boost our health. A key benefit may be pain relief. In one study, for example, an hour-long dose of Swedish massage therapy for eight weeks was found to be more effective than standard medical care at easing knee pain. Other research has shown that massage therapy may help relieve migraines, sore backs and necks, and pain from fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition to reducing pain, mas- sage therapy may also: ●   ● Lessen anxiety and depression. ●   ● Improve the quality of life for people with cancer and HIV/AIDS. Massage therapy appears to have few risks as long as it’s done by a trained professional. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor if massage therapy is right for you. Sources: American Massage Therapy Association; National Institutes of Health Sunscreen: Use it early and often Sunscreen never goes out of season. Year-round—and even on cloudy days—always take this simple step to protect your skin. Be sunscreen savvy. Apply it liberally to any uncovered skin 30 minutes before you head outside. Then reapply it at least every two hours—more often if you’re sweating or swimming. Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sun- screen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Remember: Sun exposure raises your risk of skin cancer, which is on the rise in the U.S. It also prematurely ages your skin. Both are true no matter your skin color. These precautions can help keep you safe from the sun’s damaging rays. Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; American Academy of Family Physicians; U.S. Food and Drug Administration Here’s to healthy hydration Sure, you may be eating right. But are you drinking right? To be exact: Are you staying well-hydrated? Never underestimate the importance of water when it comes to your health. Check out these tips (plus a few facts) for drinking enough: You can’t function well (or live) without water. It helps every cell, organ and tissue work properly. We’re mostly water. Water makes up half the body’s weight. Water is best for hydration. Sugary drinks pack unwanted calories, and caffeine makes you lose fluids. Replenish. We need more water when we exercise, work in the heat or have a feverish illness. Pay attention to urine color. Darker = not enough fluids. Pale and clear = just about right. Some foods supply water. Think fruits and veggies like watermelon, pineapple, cucumber, lettuce and tomato. Is 8 enough? Some people need more (or less) than 8 daily glasses of water. Not a fan of water? Add citrus slices for a flavor boost. Have water, will travel. Drink more by carrying around a reusable bottle. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Heart Association 7 SPRING 2018