The Power of Summer

Summer represents one powerful transformation in the human mind and body. The increased days of abundant sunshine and the availability of the season’s fruits and vegetables supply the body with extra vitamins and antioxidants. As metabolism increases, calories burn naturally. It’s no wonder the season delivers the perfect prescription for health, nutrition, exercise, and happiness. In our habits, we don’t have to say goodbye to the season. The regimen can last all year long!

Visiting Farmers’ Markets

Meet our local growers and support their efforts by attending the many farmers’ markets across the Piedmont. In addition to purchasing freshly picked produce, you can discover what local growers and farmers offer patrons. From handmade butter and cheese to weekly produce boxes, the marketplace expands the opportunity to learn more about nutritious health! As you eat light, small meals, focus on fruits and vegetables containing a high water content, such as peaches, oranges, melons, cucumbers, and tomatoes.

Berries

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries contain antioxidants and vitamins A, C, and E. One cup of berries daily can rid the body of oxidative stress and prevent premature aging and immune system disorders! Consider adding fresh fruit to smoothies, yogurt, granola, or salads, and desserts.

Homegrown

In August, gardeners can start planting fall crops. Think of the benefits of having ample lettuce, onions, carrots, and other cool-weather vegetables. Don’t worry if space is an issue. Consider building a small raised bed or using a barrel, bucket, or a tiered greenhouse to grow your favorite vegetables or fruits. (Please read and follow planting advice. Each crop, vine, or cane may require a creative support structure!)

Hydration

After six to eight hours of recommended nightly sleep, the body needs to release toxins. Drinking a minimum of one eight-ounce glass of water can quickly maintain the proper functioning of internal organs and keep the skin radiant. It’s an advantage, especially as temperatures climb beyond 90 degrees. Remember to travel with plenty of fluids and listen to your body. Enjoy flavored water; then, consider preparing a pitcher of cucumber- or berry-infused water!

Exercise Often!

With children at home or a spouse welcoming retirement, the decision to become physically active is one of the best things to boost mental and physical health. Take advantage of the cool morning temperatures to develop an exercise regimen. Perhaps, yoga, walking, and biking are preferable activities, while a partner finds dancing, swimming, and kayaking enjoyable! Getting outdoors every day will lead to a steady rate of progress. Begin with a partner to encourage you, or join a group! (Just remember to hydrate before, during, and after your workout sessions, even if you do not feel thirsty!)

Hobbies and Eliminating Stress

Where can you lose all sense of time? For some, the answer is in books or fabric, mixing bowls or gardening tools, and others may delve into bird watching or writing letters. In moments of high stress, we need a hobby, an activity that eases the heart rate and promotes tranquility and energy. It doesn’t need to stop at the end of the season; find a way to keep going!

Sunscreen Protection

Enjoying the outdoors also implies a need to protect against the leading cause of sunburn, ultra-violet rays! As it may be difficult to discern between various types of sunscreens, consider the following information.

• “Broad-spectrum” is a term that protects the skin against sunburn, aging, and cancer.

• “Sun protection factor,” SPF, is a level of protection provided by a sunscreen. SPF 15 filters out 93%, while SPF 30 contains a barrier filtering 97%. And, in terms of price, is it cost-effective to purchase SPF 50 when it offers a shield of 98%?

• “Water-resistant” labels do not imply the ingredients are waterproof or sweat-proof. Most lotions require application after either 40 or 80 minutes. The best practice is to read the label and follow its suggestion for reapplications.

In permanent marker, record the year of purchase on each bottle. Most sunscreens remain at their original strength after three years.

Keep a hat and sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays by the front door, and in your vehicle! In addition to protecting your skin, it’s an excellent idea to think of your vision, too!

The transformation does not have to dim with the arrival of Autumn. Strive to continue to find the best aspect of you through acts of wellness!

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Pediatric Ophthalmologist Oculofacial Specialist

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Glaucoma Specialist Cataract Management

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Optometrist Dry Eye Treatment

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Cornea Specialist Cataract Management

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Glaucoma Specialist Cataract Management Medical Director

HOME PROJECTIONS

Undeniably, 2020 has proven to be the most unexpected year many of us have ever experienced. While the last few months have been challenging, there is light to be seen at the end of the tunnel! The great news is that there is an upswing to be expected in the real estate market. Many confidently project that the housing market is what will imperatively pull America through these current adverse times that we are in. Local real estate experts, Jenny Edwards and Tim Gupton of JP & Associates Realtors ® Legacy Group, share that home values over the last 12 months have increased significantly by 5.4%. Tim gave an intriguing insight: “Even between March and April, despite the shutdown, home values continued to increase by 1.4%.” Adding that, “Additionally, home inventory continues to be low. So that, along with low mortgage rates, makes this a great time to sell! It is a prime time for great returns on real estate.”

Jenny solidified the thought that now is a great time to sell by adding, “Buyers are definitely interested, and for anyone considering selling, this is the perfect time to call us.” Furthermore, Jenny anticipates that as we move into summer, the expectation is that home prices will hold steady, possibly even increasing further! So all of these factors work together to create the ideal home-value growth.

Enthusiastically, Tim continued, “We can all get excited about this. We know the housing market will be a driving factor in our economic recovery, and it will help stabilize things for the next 12 to 18 months.” Jenny urges sellers to get their homes on the market now by continuing, “In order to maximize the selling price and possibly even enjoy multiple offers (dependent on the property, condition, and location), do not wait to get your house on the market. Sellers can feel confident about listing when they go with agents as experienced as the ones that we proudly have in our firm.” The recent circumstances that have slowed down many other areas economically have not made the real estate market regress. Instead, the increase in demand for houses has resulted in a shortage of inventory. “COVID-19 has definitely posed some changes.” Jenny shared. “However, many of those things are positive changes for our industry. A huge increase in the utilization of virtual tours and online interest has been easily navigable as our firm is equipped with the cutting edge technology needed to tailor to every client’s needs.”

Tim has been studying the housing patterns in the Triad. “Buyer activity remains the strongest it’s been. In June, we saw that homes under contract were up by 24% when compared to the previous 12 weeks. And homes sold were up to 12%! Demand is enabling sellers to get top dollar for their property, and with the median price of homes up 10%, that’s tremendous! Very few investments are currently yielding a 10% return!”

While COVID-19 made its entrance in the prime spring selling season, the market is still going strong. Jenny and Tim encourage sellers to take advantage of the low rates, among the other benefits of selling right now, because there is truly no better time to begin the process! With record low

rates, homeowners can sell, purchase a new home, and still benefit from maximum equity and cash flow in the coming year!

JP & Associates Realtors ® Legacy Group is located at 855 Bethesda Road in Winston

Salem. Call the office at 336.955.1230, or visit online at JPARLegacy.com. Be sure to like them on Facebook and follow them on Instagram.

JP & Associates

JP & Associates Realtors® Legacy Group is a real estate fi rm catered toward everything you would ever want, not only as a client, but also as an agent. Our success is defi ned by our trademark, “Exceeding Expectations”, by creating a culture of productivity and service! Top producers know they are part of a network that sets a higher standard; positioning community involvement as a fundamental part of who we are. We have set out to change the way real estate is done, by doing real estate right! Call Tim or Jenny Today!

855 Bethesda Road | Winston Salem, NC 27103 336.955.1230 | www.jparlegacy.com