Weekly Health Tips

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Some of the most important actions you can take for your health don't require a doctor's visit or a complicated plan. Taking care of your skin is one of them. Your skin works around the clock to protect you from the sun, help regulate your temperature, fight off germs, and even support your body's ability to make vitamin D.

What Your Skin Actually Does

Your skin is the largest organ in your body. In adults, it covers about 1.5 to 2 square meters — roughly the size of a small table — and makes up about one-seventh of your total body weight.

On any given day, your skin is doing several important jobs at once. It blocks harmful bacteria, chemicals, and UV rays from entering your body, regulates temperature through sweat and blood flow, and transmits signals of touch, pain, warmth, and cold to your brain.

Sun Protection in Summer

Summer brings more time outdoors — and with it, increased exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. UV rays are invisible, yet they can cause lasting damage to your skin over time. They are the primary cause of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and most cases are directly linked to UV exposure.

Choose the Right Sunscreen

When selecting a sunscreen, look for three things on the label:

• Broad-spectrum — protects against both UVA and UVB rays
• SPF 30 or higher — blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays
• Water-resistant — especially important during outdoor activities, swimming, or periods of heavy sweating
• Seeking shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are at their strongest
• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face, ears, and neck
• Choosing tightly woven, dark-colored clothing for an extended time in the sun
• Wearing UV-blocking sunglasses to protect both your eyes and the skin around them

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Some of the best things you can do for your health are also some of the simplest. Walking is one of them.

Why Walking Matters

Walking is a form of moderate physical activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults benefit from at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. And, a brisk walk counts toward that goal.

That may sound like a lot at first, but it breaks down to about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can also split it into smaller walks throughout the day.

Walking supports Heart Health

Regular walking may help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and support healthy circulation. According to Mayo Clinic, walking regularly may help lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Walking Can Help Your Mood

Spending time moving outdoors or stepping away from daily stress may help people feel calmer and more settled. According to WebMD, walking may help increase brain chemicals linked to positive mood and emotional balance.

Regular walking may also help support memory and cognitive health as people age.

Stronger Bones and Better Balance

Research supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that people who walked more steps each day had a lower risk of health complications over time.

Better Sleep and Daily Energy

Many people notice they sleep better when they move more during the day.

Morning or daytime walks may help support the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Walking outside may also provide natural sunlight exposure, which can help support steady energy and better rest at night.

Simple ways to Start Walking More

Starting small is completely okay. Consistency matters more than intensity.

• Start with a 10-minute walk around the block
• Walk after meals
• Park farther away from the entrance.
• Listen to music or a favorite podcast
• Invite a friend or family member to join you
• Take short movement breaks during the workday
• Walk at the same time each day to help build a routine