HEALTH MATTERS
Time To Rejuvenate! By Kaitlyn Kramer While many Floridians dread the impending sweltering heat that comes with Sarasota summers, it’s a great time to rejuvenate your daily routine by incorporating healthier diet modifications and setting goals for a new exercise plan. Summer doesn’t mean having to stay indoors to avoid high temperatures, but rather an opportunity to build healthy habits to last a lifetime. Slow summer Saturdays are a great opportunity to take a stroll down North Lemon Avenue and Main Street to browse the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market, which is open every Saturday from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. The market offers locally grown and organic produce in a quaint atmosphere, a great way to spend a summer day while discovering new ways to incorporate A special thanks to Dr. Frederick Romano, D.O. (above) Medical Director of Emergency Services at Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota for participating in this article.
healthier produce in meals and recipes. Look for in-season fruits and vegetables like grapes, berries, peaches, cucumbers, eggplants and bell peppers. When bringing lunch to the office try incorporating some colorful summer fruits and vegetables to daily meals. “Eat a lot of fruits like melon, honeydew and pineapple that already have water in them and have antioxidants,” says Dr. Frederick Romano, D.O. Medical Director of Emergency Services at Doctor’s Hospital in Sarasota. Summer heat means that it’s more important than ever to stay hydrated, and that doesn’t mean reach for another can of soda or a sugary fruit drink. Even when spending time sitting at a desk indoors, proper hydration is necessary. According to Dr. Romano that hydration is critical to good kidney function, digestion and overall health especially in our warm climate. Keep a reusable water bottle, such as a Nalgene or Tervis Tumbler nearby to remind you to drink up. When plain water isn’t enough to kick a soda habit, try adding fruits, flowers or herbs for a distinctive summer taste like lemon, peppermint, kiwifruit, even hibiscus or red clove flower if you’re feeling daring and want a unique taste. Keeping the fluid flowing will keep you energized throughout the day and give you the stamina needed to try that new fitness class or fit in that run over the Ringling Bridge. Dr. Romano also stresses focusing on small meals throughout the day along with a lot of fluids, rather than large meals to help proper digestion. When we eat large meals, blood is diverted to aid digestion and can exasperate heart conditions and in extreme cases lead to heart attacks. In addition, Dr. Romano encourages daily exercise, especially for those over the age of 65, for heart and overall health. While many do not want to exercise in the heat, he says the best times are early mornings or evenings since the sun is hottest from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. “Exercise is tough, because it’s about pushing yourself, but look out for anything that’s not normal such as lightheadedness, nausea or difficulty breathing,” he says. “Always stay hydrated and know your limitations.” Opt for a picturesque walk or jog on Siesta Key Beach, a summer staple. Go for a run on Ringling Bridge with a beautiful bayside view. Create memories and healthy habits for the entire family with a bike ride down the Legacy Trail. If you’re looking for a slower pace, check the Sarasota community calendar for events like free yoga on the beach – instant stress relief in the perfect setting.
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July 2013
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