Do you Take Vitamins?

It might be something to think about doing.  This year's flu and cold season was one of the worst in a long time.  The only people we knew who got through it without getting a cold or a flu... or both!... were the people who got plenty of rest, kept a regular waking/sleeping schedule, and who took vitamins. 

Some vitamins, like vitamin C, are a great helper for the immune system, and give a general boost to your spirits.  The amounts you can get out of fruit juice and some vegetables are good for you, but just can't compete with the amounts modern science can pack into a chewable vitamin these days!  Also, that way, your mouth doesn't get all raw from the citric acid!  As you get older, Iron and zinc and vitamin D become more and more important...for women especially.  And the B vitamins help to keep your mood balanced and your brain awake and effective. 

Check with your parents or doctor about what vitamins might be right for you.  And remember: vitamin supplements don't make up for having a balanced diet!  They "supplement" it for even better health!

Two Good Deeds in One!

Do you like to walk in nature?  (The correct answer is "Yes"!)  Even if you live in the city, there are usually some parks you can walk in, or lakes, rivers or oceans you can walk along the edge of.  How about a nieghborhood tree you can stare at and hug? 

Getting out and getting moving as we move towards spring is really important!  Not only is it good for your body, but your mind will improve too!  Movement gets you breathing, and breathing brings oxygen to the blood, the muscles get the blood moving around, and pretty soon you've got lot's of oxygen going to your brain, and Viola!  You feel refreshed and smarter!  And who doesn't feel like they've let the pressure out of a cola can once they've had a good trek outside after a day of being cooped up at school or at home?

So find your favorite place for a good long walk, and add this: a big trash bag and rubber gloves... and maybe one of those trash picker uppper things if you can find one!  You guessed it!  Now, you can clean up your favorite outdoor area, and make it an even better place to hang out in!

It's best to take a grown-up along on these kinds of expeditions, as they can decide what you should not attempt to touch, and what's fine to pick up and trash with rubber gloves on!

Gotta love nature!