Spring Health Checkup
March has arrived, and spring will be here soon! Instead of writing on a single topic, in this month’s column, I want to highlight several issues important for women. Like seeds scattered before the March winds, a variety of healthy ideas can take root and grow into wholesome habits for all of us. So let’s take a look at blood donation, the benefits of hydration and coping with seasonal allergies.
When I was in high school there was an annual blood donation that students were encouraged to sign up for. Unfortunately, during my first two years in high school I did not meet all the requirements to donate, but when I finally did in my junior year, I was excited to be giving back. My parents have always stressed to my younger sister and me the importance of blood donation, and I can recall, during my growing up, how they donated on a regular basis. Blood donation can be intimidating at first, but it’s also a rewarding experience that helps to directly assist those in need of surgery or transfusions. If you do regularly donate, encourage a friend or family member to go with you and participate. My mom and I make a point to donate when I am home from school and often will make it an event by getting lunch together afterward. Signing up to donate can be as easy as downloading the Red Cross app and searching for blood drives near you!
When you donate blood, adequate hydration before and after keeps you feeling your best. This leads me to the next topic: the importance of hydration. According to Harvard Health, drinking water has several benefits that range from regulation of body temperature to improving a person’s mood. These benefits, along with many others, can be achieved in a simple and easy way, just by drinking water! It is recommended that an adult drink around 15 cups or 3.7 liters of water per day. To achieve this goal, I recommend getting a large water bottle to keep with you throughout the day. I personally use a 32-ounce water bottle that I only need to fill a few times to stay on track with my daily 15-cup goal. If the taste of water is just straight-up boring to you, try adding some lemon juice or berries to enhance the flavor.
Lastly, I want to touch on seasonal allergies, something I and so many others struggle with every year. Spring may excite us with its warmth and sunshine, but the budding and blooming plants mean seasonal allergies will be back. Taking time to get ahead of the constant runny nose and itchy eyes can help lessen the effects of allergies this season. It is helpful to know exactly what your body reacts to, and seeing an allergist can help you identify the culprits. Another way to get ahead is to begin allergy medications now, rather than waiting for those clockwork-like symptoms to present themselves.
I hope everyone has a happy and healthy March. Make your health a priority this month to feel your best!
Tori Sarver is an intern for KC Parent. She is studying strategic communications with a business minor at CU Boulder.
As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.