June 2021 - Journey With Healthy Me

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad

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It’s summer! Warm temps, water fun, star filled nights and days of play are here. With that warmer weather and those days of enjoying the outdoors, who wants to spend time in the kitchen?

This easy to prepare salad is perfect for summer days. And Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad is versatile too. Add your favorite toppings or mix things up every time you make it.

Recipe below!

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad title meme

Keeping It Simple

Feel free to prep ingredients for this salad before serving it for dinner. Or…my favorite when it’s hot and muggy outside…buy ingredients that combine easily and quickly so that lunch or supper is served in minutes.

And it truly doesn’t get much easier than this tasty, satisfying salad.

Start with Greens

Using a large bowl or container, start with a layer of greens. I used about 4 cups of chopped arugula. Mixed greens work well too, an assortment of spinach, kale and arugula. For the best nutritional value, skin iceberg lettuce.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad arugula — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – arugula

Add Black Beans and Corn

Next add cooked black beans. You can cook these yourself, however for a quick meal, used one can of beans, drained. No need to heat up canned beans. I use organic canned black beans. Pick your favorite brand.

Next add a layer of organic, non GMO corn, frozen or canned. If using frozen corn, cook first. No need to heat up for canned corn.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad corn and beans — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – non GMO corn and black beans

Add Chopped Red Onions

Chop 1/2 of a small to medium red onion. I use a mini chopper to do this quickly.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad red onions — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – chopped red onions

Add Chopped Tomatoes

Next add fresh tomatoes, chopped into bite sized pieces. I don’t have ripe tomatoes from my garden yet. I purchased small organic tomatoes and used six of those. Diced tomatoes from a can may be used as well, if fresh tomatoes aren’t available or if you want to sped up the prep time. Drain well first.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad - tomatoes — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – chopped tomatoes

Add Diced Green Chilies

I purchased a small can of diced green chilies, medium spice level. Dice your own favorite peppers, from green bell peppers to hot jalapenos, or add diced canned mild green chilies, drained. Or omit this layer if you don’t want any heat.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad green chilies — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – green chilies

Add Vegan “Chicken”

This layer, and the next one, are totally optional. I seldom use vegan “meats” however, for this salad, it seemed perfect. I used Gardein Plant Based Vegan Seven Grain Crispy Chick’n Tenders. While I assembled the layers, I heated these tenders on the stove top. After they crisped up, I allowed them to cool slightly and then sliced up the tenders. Omit this layer if desired.

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad vegan chick'n — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – vegan chick’n

Final Layer Vegan Cheese

For the final layer of my salad, I added shredded vegan cheese. Vegan cheeses have come a looooong way in recent years. Made from plant based milks, such as almond or coconut, these cheeses are flavorful and behave like dairy cheese.

I added a shredded mix of cheddar and mozzarella plant based cheese.

Omit this layer if desired.

Vegan cheese — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – vegan cheese

Other Tasty Options

This layered salad is so versatile, making it easy to use what you have on hand. Normally, diced avocados go into any salad I make. I was out of them when I made this one. Feel free to add any of the following to your layered salad:

diced zucchini or yellow squash
slivered or chopped almonds
black or green olives
shredded carrots
chopped green onions instead of red onions
halved cherry tomatoes
shredded cabbage
avocados or guacamole
chickpeas
chopped red, yellow or orange sweet peppers
any other veggie of choice
salsa

The Dressing

For this layered salad, I added sides of non GMO corn tortilla chips, plant based ranch dressing and sugar free barbeque sauce. What a perfect combination…slightly spicy barbeque sauce and creamy cool ranch. That’s why I wanted the vegan chicken as a layer, for the tangy barbeque sauce.

Use a favorite dressing, plant based, or create your own.

Plant based dressing and barbeque sauce — Ready to eat salad with chips, plant based dressing and barbeque sauce

Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad

Enjoy this quick and easy layered summer salad.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Ingredients

4 - 6 cups chopped greens: arugula or mixed
1 can black beans, drained
1 can non GMO corn, drained may use frozen corn instead...cook first
1/2 red onion, chopped
5 - 6 small tomatoes, chopped
1 small can diced green chilies, mild to hot, drained may substitute pepper of choice
1 package Gardein plant based chick'n, cooked and sliced may omit this layer
1 cup shredded vegan cheese, cheddar or mozzarella may omit this layer

Instructions

Prepare plant based chick'n according to package directions.
While cooking plant based chick'n, layer each ingredient above in a large bowl or container, ending with shredded plant based cheese.
Serve with non GMO corn tortilla chips, plant based ranch dressing and sugar free barbeque sauce. Or serve with dressing of choice. Serve immediately. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Makes 4 - 6 servings.
Other options: add diced avocado, black or green olives, chickpeas or any other veggie of choice.

Keyword Layered Salad, Vegan

Check Out These Additional Salad Recipes

If, like me, you want to spend as little time as possible in the kitchen this summer, check out these eight fresh salads. Loaded with nutrients, they are perfect lunch or supper meals.

Have a happy…and healthy…season! What summer plans do you have?

Ready to Eat — Vegan Southwestern Layered Salad – ready to eat

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Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health

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Do you remember, as a child, seeing your first firefly or full moon? And do you recall the sense of wondrous amazement you felt playing in falling snow or feeling an ocean wave lap at your feet?

Wonder, or awe, is defined as a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by experiencing something beautiful, unexpected or unfamiliar. I also love another definition that I saw that describes wonder as an emotion “somewhere between the upper reaches of pleasure and the boundary of fear”.

As adults we experience wonder over the birth of children and grandchildren, beauty in nature and unexpected sights such as a double rainbow arched over the sea. Researchers are discovering that the more we experience that sense of awe and wonder, the happier we feel. And, we are healthier.

I’m here to help you cultivate a sense of wonder for better health.

Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health title meme

Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health

It turns out wonderment has a range of emotional and physical benefits. Experiencing awe and wonder frequently makes us feel happier and contributes to a greater sense of life satisfaction. Those feelings also foster compassion for others and increase our humility as we realize the grandeur of the universe.

Wonder makes us think more expansively, expands our perception of time and may lead to less materialism. It can even help those who cope with post traumatic stress syndrome.

For these benefits and the health boosts listed below, we want wonder to be a daily occurrence. Here are ways to increase those moments of awe and wonder.

Experience New Things

One of my favorite ways to up the wonderment is by trying new experiences. When we experience something new, the “wonder” circuits in the brain are activated. We gain pleasure and a sense of satisfaction. There are BIG new experiences such as climbing a mountain and standing at its peak. However, we can create mini wonder moments by experiencing smaller new experiences.

Try drawing or painting with your non-dominant hand. Or roll out a sleeping bag and star gaze in the middle of the night. Take a walking tour in a new to you city. Or eat a food you’ve never tried before.

Whatever you try, push yourself a bit…or a lot…beyond your comfort zone. My grandson and I traveled to St Louis to attend our first huge Comic Con. It pushed us both to put ourselves out there. And it culminated with meeting and talking to two of the actors, the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors, from one of our favorite television shows, Doctor Who.

Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health tardis — Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health – try new experiences

Play

Wonder is a playful quality. So it makes sense that to experience wonder more frequently, play more. Children excel at inventing games and playing spontaneously. We can learn from their example.

Play in the garden sprinkler. Make a blanket fort and color in it. Roast marshmallows over a fire. Count fireflies or stars as they appear. Collect sea shells or rocks. Start a game of tag with strangers on the beach.

Whatever brings out your playful nature and that sense of wonderment, do more of that.

Slow Down and Be Present

When we say that we love experiencing the world through a child’s eyes, what we really mean is that we love their sense of wonder. Children are great observers of the world around them. They pause to study a ladybug crawling up a leaf or marvel at a dandelion in the grass.

As adults we need to slow down, pause, and be present in the moment. We can then observe the world around us too and all of its wonders. Sometimes that means we need to quiet our minds and stop thinking about our to-do list or the work waiting for us.

Savor the moments. Look for the wonders. When we look, we find them.

Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health spider — Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health – slow down and be in the moment

Shift Mindset

How we view the world, and the wonders in it, depends greatly upon mindset.

Those who tend toward negative thoughts will see the world as a fearful place and may miss the wonders in it. Additionally, negative thoughts lead to negative experiences in life. Simply put, it’s all about the energy we dwell in. Expect that life or the world is bad and the brain does its best to prove it by pointing out all that’s wrong.

To experience more awe in life, do a mental check to see what kind of thoughts run through your mind during the day. If most are negative learn to shift those toward the positive. Meditation, yoga, walking in nature, counseling, journaling and self help books are powerful ways to shift mindset.

The more positively we view the world the more open we are to experiencing the abundant wonders there.

Spend Time with Children and Grandchildren

Children are expert wonder finders. Spend time following your toddler around the yard, and experience the wonders of insects, leaves and rocks. Talk to your child about what inspires wonder in them. Create shared experiences such as watching meteors streak across the sky or catching a full lunar eclipse or watching a wonder inspiring documentary on dolphins.

And is anything more wonderous than holding a newborn baby or grandbaby? Be there for those moments.

Snuggling Finley — Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health – Finley Grace

Experience Nature

One of the best places to experience awe and wonder is outdoors, in nature.

How amazing to watch a powerful thunderstorm roll in. What wonder to see the woods awaken in the spring. And there’s magic in the hummingbird as it flits from flower to flower.

Whether you live near the desert, a mountain or the ocean, or have a park nearby in your city, get outside and stay present to see what wonders appear. Enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or end the day with a breathtaking sunset.

I cultivate wonder by planting flowers and herbs in my backyard. That beautiful space is a constant source of magic and wonder for me. You can create wonder with fairy gardens or patio container gardens. Hang art outside or decorate a porch with strings of lights and baskets of plants. Create your own outdoor space and invite wonder in.

Appreciate Art and Music

Art and music inspire wonder as well by filling us with deep appreciation.

Attend art exhibits or travel to see those iconic pieces of art you’ve always read about. When I visited Florence, Italy, and saw Michelangelo’s David statue for the first time, I was overcome with such strong, wonderous emotions.

Attend concerts. Discover new music. Put that favorite song on repeat and let it move you. Two of my grandsons participated in school bands. Attending those concerts and hearing those performances always induced awe as I watched those students come together to create beautiful music.

David Statue — Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health – view amazing art

Ways Wonder Improves Health

Now we know how to experience wonder more frequently. Here are the ways that such experiences improve health.

reduces inflammation – this one is the biggie. Chronic inflammation in the body leads to many diseases including cardiovascular disease, arthritis, diabetes, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Frequently experiencing awe and wonder, which is a high level vibrational emotion, reduces inflammation in the body, which helps to prevent those diseases.
lowers stress – higher levels of stress means higher levels of inflammation
boosts immunity to help fight off invading illnesses including viruses and allergens
lowers blood pressure which helps protect the cardiovascular system
improves sleep – primarily because we feel happier and less stressful
shifts attitude opening us up to receive more wonder in our lives
lowers risk for depression
enhances overall sense of wellbeing
reduces risk for type 2 diabetes
inspires creativity which improves sense wellbeing

Be the “Oh Wow” Person

In my family, I’m the “Oh Wow” person. My kids laugh at me, in a good natured way, because one of my most frequent expressions is “Oh wow!” I say it often because I do see the wonder in so many things.

I not only look for the wonder, I’m open to receiving it so that when something unexpected happens, I see it. And I continually seek out new experiences. Many of those inspire awe and wonder in me as well.

I’ve also discovered that fulfilling dreams creates a sense of wonder. Standing on a bridge over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy inspired awe. And the first time I visited Thirlestane Castle, in Lauder, Scotland, I had to sit on a bench for a while outside and just look at it. I’d heard about our ancestral castle my whole life. Seeing it, experiencing it through an inside tour, created a range of emotions, including profound wonder.

I hope this post gives you ideas about how you can create more wonderment in your life. And that it motivates you to want to, for the betterment of your health and wellbeing.

Where can you find wonder today?

Cultivate a Sense of Wonder for Better Health – fulfilling a dream by visiting Thirlestane Castle

Items to Help Inspire Wonder

Healthy Oceans Healthy Us

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June 8 is World Oceans Day. The special day draws our awareness to the health of our oceans around the world.

As I read articles I realized how crucial the connection is between our health and the oceans’ health. Healthy oceans, healthy us. Unhealthy oceans, unhealthy us.

While my posts on Journey With Healthy Me typically focus on health and wellness for humankind, I felt compelled to share a different kind of post tonight.

Our futures and the future of our planet depend on the health of our oceans. And how are Earth’s oceans faring? They are in trouble.

Healthy Oceans Healthy Us title meme

The Heart and Lungs of the Planet

No matter where you live, you are connected to the oceans. Even land locked midwesterners, like me, are intricately linked to the seas.

The oceans of Earth are the heart and lungs of the planet. They produce over half of the world’s oxygen and absorb 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere. Covering 70% of the earth’s surface, oceans transport heat from the equator to the poles, regulating climate and weather patterns.

Oceans are also important in the transportation and trade industry, and in providing jobs, food and ingredients used in medicines.

Plus there are health benefits associated with being near the sea. Swimming in the ocean improves blood circulation, helps with joint pain, improves muscular strength and promotes longevity. The salty seawater contains minerals that help moisturize and heal the skin.

Beyond the physical benefits, being near the ocean lowers stress and anxiety, reduces heart and respiration rates and eases depression.

Healthy Oceans Healthy Us Mediterranean Sea — Healthy Oceans Healthy Us – Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Italy.

Threats to the Oceans

Human activities are threatening the health of the oceans, which in turn threatens our own wellbeing.

More than 80% of marine pollution comes from land based activities. From coral bleaching to a rise in sea level, the whole marine ecosystem is rapidly changing.

Threats to the oceans include:

global warming
pesticides and agricultural products that end up in coastal waters, depleting oxygen and killing marine life and plants
sewage and runoff from factories and industrial plants
oil spills
overfishing which is depleting fish and sea life
pollution
plastics that end up in the oceans, disrupting the eco-system and killing marine life
invasive species of algae that thrive in waters that have warmed up, disrupting the ecological balance

Beach Pollution — Healthy Oceans Healthy Us – beach pollution

Healing Our Oceans

Remember the four Rs of taking care of the planet and the oceans…Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Refuse.

Here are things we can all do to ensure healthy oceans, healthy us.

Reduce Energy Consumption

By reducing energy use we reduce the effects of climate change on the oceans. Leave the car at home as often as possible. Walk or ride a bike when you can. Switch to LED lightbulbs at home. Take the stairs. Turn off lights when leaving the room. Also turn off appliances, computers and other electrical devices when not in use. Raise the thermostat in summer and lower it in winter. Support clean alternative energy solutions.

Plant a garden or shop farmer’s markets and co-ops. Buy organic produce when possible. Eat a plant based diet.

Make Sustainable Seafood Choices

Fish populations are rapidly depleting due to demand, loss of habitat and unsustainable fishing practices. When dining out or shopping for seafood, reduce the demand on overexploited species by choosing seafood that is sustainable.

Better yet, stop eating seafood.

Eliminate Plastic Products

Plastics that end up in the ocean cause habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals every year.

Help by eliminating plastic water bottles. Carry a reusable metal water container instead. Store leftover food in reusable glass containers. Carry your own cloth shopping bags to stores. And recycle or reuse if you do purchase items in plastic cartons.

Avoid single use plastics such as straws, plasticware, cups, bags and bottles.

Don’t Purchase Items that Harm Marine Life

Educating ourselves about the products we buy helps protect marine life. Certain products, such as some sunscreens, damage coral reefs and marine populations.

Never flush kitty litter which contains pathogens harmful to marine animals. Don’t purchase coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles) and shark products. Squalene, often found in cosmetics, is derived from sharks.

Create Change Through Choices

Support organizations working to protect oceans and marine life. Volunteer to clean a beach. Sign petitions to promote ocean-friendly legislation and sustainable ocean policies.

Patronize restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood. Do ocean presentations at schools and organizations. And support ocean artists and film makers by watching their documentaries. A couple of good documentaries to watch: Seaspiracy and My Octopus Teacher, both on Netflix.

Purchase products that reduce the impact on the earth and the oceans.

Refuse straws at restaurants. Carry metal straws if you must drink with a straw.

Don’t Attend Dolphin and Marine Life Shows

Many people are becoming increasingly concerned about the practice of keeping marine animals in captivity. Marine animals are ecologically connected to the ocean environment. They do not thrive in confinement. Say no to dolphin and large marine life shows.

Healthy Oceans Healthy Us

I noticed a shift in my awareness, when I began a plant based lifestyle.

First I focused on my own body and my own health. As my health and wellbeing improved I became appreciative of the wonders of the human body and how a healthy body responds.

Then my attention focused outward, on the health and wellbeing of others. This blog is a result of that shift. I want other people to experience their optimal health as well and live a full, vibrant life.

And finally, my awareness expanded to encompass the earth and the health and wellbeing of the planet and all life. I’m mindful of the impact I have on the earth and all its inhabitants. My desire is to take care of myself, help others take care of themselves and for all of us, together, to take care of our home, Planet Earth.

We must pay attention to what’s happening with the world’s oceans. To thrive here in health, our oceans must thrive too.

For World Oceans Day…and every day…we can do our part to ensure a future for the oceans and for ourselves. Won’t you join me?

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Summer Health Tips

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Is it just me…or is this year flying by? By the end of this month, half of the year will be gone. June also brings the beginning of summer with all its delights, wonders and adventures.

For the best season, full of beauty, experiences and fun, check out these summer health tips.

Summer Health Tips title meme

Summer Health Tips

Many people claim summer as their favorite season. School is out. Vacations and road trips get under way. Long warm days make lakes and swimming pools inviting. And adventures of all kinds beckon.

It’s the perfect season for family gatherings, cook outs and celebrations. And there is something so magical about summer evenings. Fireflies, shooting stars, cozy fires crackling in fire pits all contribute to the wonder.

Keep yourself and family members healthy, to make this most of the season, with these simple tips.

Stay Hydrated

The number one challenge with summer is staying hydrated. Most people simply do not drink enough water, causing chronic dehydration. During the warmer months, we are at greater risk of dehydration due to working and playing outdoors and excessive sweating.

The following signs of dehydration are symptoms that indicate the body is not receiving enough water and/or is already chronically dehydrated.

Signs of Dehydration

constipation
dark urine
headaches
lightheadedness and dizziness
dry mouth
muscle cramps
rapid heartbeat
extreme thirst
less frequent urination
no tears
unsatisfied hunger
fatigue
low blood pressure
skin disorders
brain fog
irritability
kidney stones

There is varying information about how much water we need. However, a good guide is 72 ounces for adult women and 104 ounces for adult men. This is a general guideline. Exercising, working outdoors or warm temperatures may up the requirement for liquids.

To stay hydrated during the summer months, try these tips

carry water at all times, in a metal or glass container, and refill throughout the day
drink at least one glass of water with every meal
increase water amount when exercising or outdoors in hot weather
juice fruits and veggies
start the day with a lemon or lime water, followed by a glass of freshly prepared celery juice for amazing health benefits (Want to know even more about this miraculous drink? Visit www.celeryjuice.com and pick up Anthony’s book about celery juice HERE.)
include two or more cups of herbal teas during the day
keep a pitcher of infused water in the fridge, adding herbs, veggies or fruit for flavor
eat your water, with high water content foods such as watermelon, berries, pineapple, cucumbers and tomatoes.

Read my full article about foods that help hydrate HERE.

Eat Lightly

During the summer, enjoy the bounty that gardens produce. Visit a farmer’s market if you don’t grow your own veggies and begin your grocery shopping in the fresh fruits and veggies section.

This is the time for simple, easily prepped meals that include raw or lightly cooked veggies and lots of fresh fruit.

Include berries, melons, tomatoes, peppers, okra, fresh herbs, squash and green beans. Try new to you vegetables or fruits too, to broaden your tastes.

Check out this recent POST for eight mouth watering salads that are definitely full of the goodness of summer.

Summer Health Tips hydration — Summer health tips – eat hydrating foods such as watermelon

Get Outdoors During Morning and Evening

Playing, working or exercising outdoors during the summer? Get outside in the mornings or evenings, when temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense.

If you must be out during the afternoon, seek out the shade as much as possible. And remember to carry water with you!

Protect Your Skin and Eyes

No matter what time of day you are outdoors, protect your skin and eyes.

Use at least a SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, applying 30 minutes before going out. Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating. Check out my blogging friend’s post, for the best vegan sunscreens!

Wear a wide brimmed hat to protect the face and sunglasses to shield eyes.

Summer Health Tips hiking — Summer health tips – enjoy the outdoors in the mornings and evenings.

Don’t Get Bugged

I have to admit that what I dislike about summer are pesky insects. As soon as the sun starts to set, mosquitos swarm around me in the garden. And veer off the path while hiking and I’m likely to encounter ticks or worse, chiggers.

Is this true for you?

Avoid insect repellents laden with harsh chemicals. Try using a natural repellent containing lemon or eucalyptus. I’ve had good luck with this DIY Mosquito Repellent. And also with soaking a cotton ball in Witch Hazel and rubbing it over exposed skin.

Around the yard, make sure water doesn’t collect in containers after a rain. That becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos. Keep the grass cut and garden or lawn debris cleared away.

After a hike or walk, check yourself and family members for ticks. Spray shoes, socks and ends of jeans or pants to help prevent chiggers from crawling up legs. Take a shower as soon as you return home and toss clothes…socks and underwear included…in the wash.

Plan an Active Vacation

While on vacation, plan activities such as hiking, walking, swimming, kayaking or canoeing. If you are doing a staycation at home, include gardening, lawncare, evening walks or outside games such as volleyball or badminton.

When visiting cities, explore on foot or via bicycling. Walking tours are a great way to get to know a city. I love walking around a new town, watching people and stopping in interesting shops.

Summer Health Tips kayak — Summer health tips – plan fun activities during vacation, such as kayaking.

Drink Responsibly

Excessive drinking is never good. Combine it with summertime and the results can be disastrous. Alcohol intensifies dehydration. Additionally, too much alcohol impairs judgment, coordination and balance, which can lead to accidents and injuries.

And did you know that 70% of adult and adolescent drownings involve alcohol?

Drink responsibly. Don’t operate a vehicle, including ATV, boats and motorcycles, while drinking. And stay out of the water!

Learn How to Swim

And speaking of playing in the water, make sure family members, especially children, know how to swim.

Many cities offer swimming lessons at community pools or local YMCAs. Swimming pools, lakes and even the ocean are enticing to children and adults. Make sure everyone knows how to swim and is familiar with basic water safety if your vacation includes water activities. It’s good for at least one adult to know CPR as well.

A drowning can happen in as little as two inches of water. Never, ever leave children unattended near water, even the bathtub.

On boats, make sure everyone wears a properly fitting life vest.

Summer Health Tips river fun — Summer health tips – practice water safety and teach children how to swim.

Fire Safety

Whether toasting marshmallows over a campfire, sitting around a fire pit or celebrating 4th of July with fireworks, practice fire safety.

When around a campfire or fire pit, always have water on hand to prevent fire from escaping its boundaries. Never leave a fire unattended. And properly extinguish the fire before leaving the area.

On camping trips carry a first aid kit that includes bandages and ointments in case of a minor burn.

Don’t allow children to handle fireworks without close supervision. Hundreds of people end up in the emergency room around the 4th of July, with injuries related to fireworks. Keep a bucket of water nearby and toss spent fireworks in, to make sure they are fully extinguished. Sparklers can reach a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Drop them into the bucket too. Stepping on a burned out sparkler on the ground can cause injury. And never try to relight a firework that didn’t completely ignite. Toss it.

Wear Lightweight Clothing

And finally, during the summer months, wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. Those garments keep you cooler by helping sweat to evaporate more quickly.

I LOVE the clothes from Toad&Co. They are perfect for summer. And not only do they offer stylish clothes, Toad&Co is a sustainable, eco-friendly company. I feel good wearing their clothes, and good about their garments.

Summer Health Tips lightweight clothes — Summer health tips – wear loose fitting, lightweight clothes, such as these from Toad&Co

Have a Healthy Summer

Do you love summertime?

As you enjoy the season, may you do so in optimal health and wellness! And may your adventures be many and your joys as abundant as the summer flowers that stretch toward the sun.

Summer Health Tips fire pit

Summer Finds from Amazon:

I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.