Why the Summer Olympics, fireworks safety and ice cream should be on your radar

We’ve reached July — which means summer is officially in full swing and America is about to celebrate another birthday. Before you rush out to recreate Ina Garten’s famous flag cake or host your own Joey Chestnut-style hot dog eating contest, consider keeping these wellness reminders on your radar this month:

Take it easy with fireworks at home. Hitting up a roadside fireworks stand to catch some fireworks or Black Cat fireworks is a time-honored tradition for many Americans — but it’s also unsafe and almost certainly annoys your neighbors (especially those with kids, dogs or an aversion to loud or disruptive noises). to sleep). Instead, consider celebrating the Fourth of July at a public fireworks display in your community — and bring headphones or earplugs to protect the kids’ hearing (or yours).

Use your melon. If you’re stocking up on sweet, juicy watermelons this summer—and you should, because they’re hydrating It is packed with antioxidants and nutrients, including vitamins A and C – be sure to wash the skin well before eating. Recent Consumer Reports tests found that watermelons were among the fruits and vegetables most at risk from pesticides. Even if you’re not planning on eating the thick skin (although, for the record, you can—consider pickling it or turning it into kimchi), experts recommend using cold water and a brush (no soap or detergents needed) to remove dirt, bacteria and pesticides before cutting your watermelon. Now you can safely sink your teeth into a fresh slice—or whip up a fun summer recipe like watermelon poke.

Caesar hail. In addition to being America’s birthday, this 4th of July also marks the centennial of the Caesar salad. Yes, we’ve been eating these creamy, crunchy salads for 100 years, and although There’s a mixed response about how healthy they are, getting more vegetables is never a bad thing. Just go easy on the sauce (or opt for a low-fat version) and add a protein (grilled chicken, salmon, shrimp) to make the most of your meal.

Support BIPOC mental health. July is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) Mental Health Month, which aims to uplift communities of color as they navigate the stress associated with historical trauma, systemic racism, and other unique challenges. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Office of Health EquityThis is a good time for BIPOC individuals to prioritize their well-being and focus on healthy coping strategies, while allies can offer supportlisten and do your part to not perpetuate prejudices or microaggressions.

Have an ice cream. Sunday, July 21st, is National Ice Cream Day, which means you can find deals at your local store. Now, ice cream cannot be considered the healthier treat, but many nutritionists say it’s perfectly fine in moderation—and you can always swap in strawberries or nuts instead of sprinkles or chocolate syrup as a topping.

Get inspired by the Olympics. O 2024 Summer Games starts in Paris on July 26th and runs until August 11th. If you’re looking to change up your summer workout routine, this is a good place to start. Maybe it’s time to venture out to the local pool lane or finally learn to dive. And you don’t have to be on Simone Biles’ level (because, frankly, who is?) to sign up for an adult fitness class. At the very least, research has found that rooting for your country (or favorite athlete) can help strengthen community ties and social identity.

See about those eyes. An appointment to make in July, also known as Healthy Vision Month? An eye exam, which doctors recommend not only to determine whether or not you need glasses, but also to check for early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration.