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Jump-Start Your Health This 2020!

The New Year is here, and that means that millions of us will strive to be a happier, healthier, and better version of ourselves. Most of the time, we set ambitious New Year’s resolutions only to quit them a couple of months down the line. This year, choose to be a healthier and better version of yourself all year long with easier, more realistic goals. These ideas can help you kick-start 2020 in the best way!

Look at your diet

The festive period may not be an accurate indication of how you eat all year round, but now is the time to take stock of how you plan to eat a nutritionally-balanced diet. Consider your daily schedule. Plan out your meals. Food prep to avoid eating fast food. If you must eat fast food most locations now have “a lighter menu option.”

Plan to strengthen social relationships

Do you think time together with family and friends is nice but not necessary? Think again! Scientists have found that social relationships can help us to live a longer life, so make sure you schedule time to interact with loved ones.

Try a new form of exercise

If you struggle to get yourself moving, perhaps you haven’t found the right exercise that suits you. This year, try something different. Visit a different gym, run outside, take a new class, try yoga, opt for a personal trainer – the options are endless! You may just find your new (and healthy) hobby.

Develop an attitude of gratitude

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Research has found that counting our blessings instead of our problems not only reduces depression and stress and lowers blood pressure, but it can reduce the signs of aging.

How are you jump-starting your 2020? Let us know! For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients at our Irvine and Laguna Hills locations. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!

How to Stay Hydrated in Cold Weather

Although cool winter days can be a welcome change to the summer’s stifling heat, you may not have realized that you’re more at risk of dehydration in winter than in summer. Dehydration is often thought of as a summer health problem, but the risk can be more threatening during the cooler months.

The body is made up of 70 percent water. It is essential for our health to maintain that level of water to regulate the metabolism. If this percent drops, the heart will be deprived of fluid and will need to pump harder to circulate the blood, decreasing the blood volume. For preservation, the body directs blood flow to the body core and the organs. To prevent dehydration in cold weather, check out these tips.

• Keep Sipping

We lose water throughout the day from respiration and perspiration. Just because you’re not sweating as much as during the cooler months doesn’t mean you’re staying hydrated. You may feel less thirsty when you’re cold than when you’re warm, but try to make it instinct to keep sipping on water. Set your watch or phone alarm to ping every 15 to 30 minutes and have a big swig of water. If you don’t feel like drinking cold water, opt for a warm, non-caffeinated drink, such as a hot tea.

• Eat Your Water

Believe it or not but your diet can help you stay hydrated when you’re not guzzling down water. Food counts for 20 to 30 percent of our daily water intake. Aim to eat more water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumber, watermelon, tomatoes grapefruit, oranges, pineapple, and eggplant. Other water-rich foods are brown rice, black beans, and quinoa.

• Know Common Symptoms of Dehydration

It can be harder to recognize dehydration in winter, which makes it more dangerous. Keep in mind these symptoms that could indicate you’re not reaching your fluid requirements:

• Headaches
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased fatigue
• Lightheadedness
• Irritability

If you do get dehydrated this winter despite your efforts, IV hydration can help. IV fluids start to rehydrate you immediately and works faster than drinking water. If you’re in need of hydration therapy, contact Sand Canyon Urgent Care. With facilities in Irvine (949 -417-0272) and Stanton (714-604-2850), we are ready to help.

Healthy Habits to Adopt Immediately 

For most of us, living a healthy lifestyle comes naturally. Others, however, need to work on improving their health and well-being consistently. Oftentimes, the essentials of healthy living are overlooked and overcomplicated. Fortunately, a few simple and healthy habits can change your life for the better. Intrigued? Read on.

• Drink water upon waking

Water is important – no, essential – for our overall well-being. Sleep dehydrates the body so drinking water first thing in the morning is even more vital. A glass of water not only refreshes you when you wake up, but it also hydrates the organs and gets them off to a great start. Aim to drink around eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day, but more if the weather is extremely hot and you are sweating a lot. Active lifestyles call for a higher water intake.

• Get enough sleep

Majority of Americans are not getting enough sleep and go about their day being sleep deprived. An average adult should be getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Sleep helps your body recover, reset and restore.  So to ensure your overall mental and physical well-being, it is vital that you get enough sleep. If you consistently feel tired, lack concentration, and have a weakened immune system, re-evaluate if you are getting enough sleep every night.

• Eat healthy food

It is easier said than done, we know. However, eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring, bland, or expensive. Your food intake should consist of a healthy combination of fresh fruits, vegetables, pulses, grains, nuts, and seeds. Avoid packaged and processed foods, including sugary drinks and sodas. Read the nutritional labels and be mindful of the sugar and sodium content in what you eat and drink. Changing to healthier eating will not only benefit your body, but you will also notice a change in your overall energy levels.

• Be social

Friends and family make life worth living. There are many benefits of being social and engaging in conversation with friends and family. Aim to stay social (not just on social media), even when you don’t feel like it. More often than not you’ll be glad you attended a social event.

• Stay active

Exercising regularly doesn’t mean you spend hours in the gym. Figure out what you like to do to get your heart pumping and then stick with it. Whether you like running, practicing yoga, working out with a personal trainer, hiking trails, or attending an exercise class, start doing an exercise routine that you love. Mix it up and be consistent for 20 days –  that is the secret to making any habit stick.

Here’s to your health and happiness! For all of your health concerns and any of your medical needs, visit Sand Canyon Urgent Care. We welcome walk-in patients. Our onsite diagnostic and lab facilities help us to best serve you and your loved ones. Call us at (949) 536-7892 or visit us here to get started!