Having a healthy body can translate to an overall high quality of life. But there are many measures we can take to support our own wellness. From sunlight to electrolytes, this June 2023 recap of ManhattanLife’s weekly health tip social media posts covers a mixture of subjects, providing information that can help us be healthier and more prepared for our daily pursuits.

A Myriad of Milk:

Milk is a grocery item commonly found in our refrigerators. But each kind carries its own nutrients and distinct flavor. Here we quickly examine four of them. Remember to consult a medical professional with questions regarding diet.

Oat Milk

Oat milk is not as common as other milks but has garnered more attention in recent years. It has calcium and contains a good dose of fiber per cup. However, it must be fortified to have additional nutrients.

Rice Milk
This milk is a dairy-free option. As a store-bought and grain-based drink, it is comprised of iron as well as calcium. It can taste sweeter than other milk beverages and is also high in carbohydrates, which may help improve energy and give you fuel for the day’s tasks.

Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk is a typical item in household refrigerators, and for positive reasons too. It has a bevy of nutritional benefits, with several grams of protein, in addition to a valuable dose of Vitamin B12 as well as calcium. Cow’s milk can be in the form of whole milk, low-fat, and fat-free, among others.

Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is dairy-free and usually contains more saturated fat than other kinds of milk. Though it typically has Vitamin D, along with Vitamin B12, which can help with energy levels and cognitive function.

Sun Safety:

With summer in full bloom for much of the United States, many of us are again subject to the sun's unforgiving heat. Fret not, though. Here are some tips for how to be cool and careful when it's sweltering outside.

Hydration
Drink water. Keep a water bottle with you. Indeed, about 60% of our bodies already consist of the liquid, but it's still perfect for staying hydrated.

Exertion
If you're exercising outside, perform activity in the morning and in the evening when it's cooler.

Incrementation
Pace yourself. Start activities slow and increase the pace gradually.

Protection
Apply sunscreen as directed by the packaging. Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.

Consideration
Check on your friend or neighbor for any heat-related or unusual symptoms.

Insect Protection: Mosquitoes

Bugs bite. That’s why shielding yourself from mosquitoes is particularly important. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published details about mosquitoes including how to minimize your risk of being bitten.

What are Mosquitoes?
Mosquitoes are flying insects that reside in most of the world, with over 3,500 types in existence. Though not all mosquitoes bite.
Some mosquitoes are vectors, a type of animal, insect, or tick that spreads germs to people or animals and can cause illness.
Other mosquitoes don’t spread germs and are labeled nuisance mosquitoes.

Fast Facts
Over 200 kinds of mosquitoes live in the continental U.S. and its territories. Twelve of those types can spread germs and cause disease.
Adult mosquitoes can live indoors and outdoors.
The lifespan of an adult mosquito is around 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the type of mosquito and other factors.
Only female mosquitoes bite, which they do to produce eggs.

Repellent for the Body
Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent with one of the active ingredients below, as they are proven effective and safe. If you’re using sunscreen as well, always apply insect repellent after the sunscreen.
· DEET
· Picaridin (known as KBR 3023 and icaridin outside the United States)
· IR3535
· Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)
· Para-menthane-diol (PMD)
· 2-undecanone

Spatial Repellents
Spatial repellents use heat to disperse repellent outdoors, some of which may be EPA-registered. Here are examples:
· Lanterns.
· Torches.
· Table-top diffusers.
· Candles.
· Coils.

At Home/While Traveling
To help deter mosquitoes, keep your home or hotel room cool with air conditioning or window and door screens.
Use a mosquito net if you are unable to stay where air conditioning is used or if you are sleeping outside.
Permethrin-treated mosquito nets provide more defense than untreated nets. Permethrin is an insecticide that kills mosquitoes and other insects.

If you have found this blog article enlightening and beneficial, stay tuned for our next recap and check out our weekly Health Tip Wednesday posts on the ManhattanLife LinkedIn page here.