SUNSHINE FOR YOUR SKELETON!

With the summer months, and hopefully, the sunshine upon us we should all take time to relax and “catch a few rays”. Not to top up our tans, but because sunshine is good for the health of our minds and bodies.

During winter as many as 500,000 of us are affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the UK. It is caused by lack of sunlight which affects the brains chemistry, causing symptoms such as fatigue, depression, weight gain, loss of appetite, excessive sleeping, reduction in libido and a craving for starchy foods.

However during the summer our increased exposure to Ultra Violet light or sunlight can banish these symptoms as our brain releases natural “feel good” hormones.

Sunlight is also necessary for the production of Vitamin D. Vitamin D is formed in the skin (which we tend to expose more of when it’s sunny) and is vital for the metabolism of calcium. The efficient absorption of the calcium from our diet (think green, leafy salads!) is vital for the prevention of rickets and osteoporosis (bone thinning) and the growth of strong, healthy bones.

SUNSHINE SAFETY.

Most of us are aware that over exposure to the sun, particularly around midday can be hazardous to our health. So don’t spoil your enjoyment of the fresh air, sunshine and BBQ weather by putting your self at risk of sunburn, sunstroke and of course, over time, skin cancer. Follow these simple and sensible steps;

1. Slip on a tee shirt even if it’s hot – shoulders around the collarbone have thin skin that burns.
2. Protect yourself from sunstroke by wearing a hat.
3. Wear sun cream with an SPF of at least 15 and reapply regularly.
4. Avoid the full glare of the midday sun.
5. Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. No, that does not include beer and cocktails!

THE BOTTOM LINE: Take advantage of the sunshine to make your body feel and function better. Most of us find it easier to get some fresh air and  exercise in the good weather, even if it’s just going for a walk each day or bit of gardening. Take some time to relax and unwind, everybody needs some “me time”. Also make the most of fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables; it is the salad season after all! 

'The Big Feast' continues

“There are so many different ones you can choose

With plenty of fruit you cannot lose,

The natural vitamins that they provide

Will help you feel amazing on the inside.”

Opening the cupboard, and pulling out a parsnip

“With rule number Three let us now equip.”

Sammy Seahorse explained “load up with vegetables,

For you’ll find they provide a multitude of minerals.”

“There are so many fun veggies for you to eat,

Kale, spinach and carrots: oh Oscar, what a treat!

 The iron they provide, to name one of so many,

Helps you to stay strong, not tired and like jelly.”

Oscar smiled away for now he began to see

How important fruit and veg was to stay healthy

What would be next he wondered, wide-eyed?

For Rule number four Olga Urchin stood by his side:

“Don’t eat lots of junk”, as told sternly by Olga:

“Avoid all those chips and that fast food burger

There are so many nasties they pack in and hide

They may look good but what’s really inside?”

The next instalment of The Big Feast!

I hope you have all had a great Easter, as promised, here is the next instalment of Oscar!

“Let me introduce you Oscar to good basic Nutrition,”

Follow me closely, look hard and listen.

Your body needs food to heal, grow, and survive

The choice is yours if you want to thrive”

“Do you want to do lots of exciting things. like running and jumping,  

Laughing, playing with friends, reading and swimming?

So come with me now and we can investigate food,

Some helpers we need; now where is the brood?”

Sidney Starfish appeared on Oscars Shoulder,

“Rule number one is drinking plenty of water.”

Known as H-2-O is great for hydration,

And very important for our brains to function.”

“Lack of water can cause your head to ache,

Your breath to smell and your knees to quake.”

So drink plenty of water Oscar, don’t stop

And very soon in the class you’ll be top.”

Drinking his water Oscar admitted it felt good,

He knew he must drink more, yes he should.

“Rule number two,” Emily Eel did say

Peeling a banana as she slid his way

“Eat plenty of fruit Oscar, different ones too,

Apples, pears and oranges are all great for you.

Oscar Ocean and The Big Feast- Special Treat

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!

As a special treat and a thank you to you all I will be releasing a preview of 'Oscar Ocean and The Big Feast' over the next few days in short snippets. So for those of you who can't wait here is the first section...

At breakfast Oscar simply shook his head

For mum had made muesli and Smoothie instead

"Eat up now Oscar and start this way,

 For you see breakfast is the most important meal of the day."

"I don’t like that" Oscar did say, pushing his plate firmly away

‘‘Can’t I have chocolate cereals, toast and then play?’’

But mum was not listening; she was out in the hall

Busying and bustling, getting ready for pre-school

Wise young Sammy, in his big Chef hat:

“Come on Now Oscar, none of that,

If you want to grow big and wise and strong,

Nutrition is important all day long.”

To Oscar it all sounded dull and boring

But a glass of Smoothie Sammy was pouring.

“Packed full of vitamins, protein and water

Energy this will give you, so you can be smarter.”

Stay tuned for the next instalment.