It's Summertime... Get Outside!!!

JULY

GET OUTSIDE!

Taking care of our health can be a tough task. We’re constantly reminded to eat healthy, go to the gym, de-stress, turn off our phones from time-to-time and the list goes on. But the biggest impact on our health is the environment. Studies show that being in nature or even viewing scenes of nature reduces anger, anxiety and stress. Spending time in nature reduces blood pressure, heart rate, muscle tension and the production of stress hormones. Let’s explore the top 7 health benefits of being in nature.

1. Exercise
   Getting outside usually involves some level of exercise, even if it’s just a short walk. Even 15 – 30 minutes of exercise each day has long-term benefits for your mind and body, and decreases your risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.

2. Stress relief
   Studies show that being in nature reduces tension and depression.

3. Vitamin D
   Vitamin D has a wide range of health benefits. It also helps boost our immune systems. Just 10 – 15 minutes of sunlight per day greatly contributes in our bodies production towards the proper levels of vitamin D. Get outside and treat yourself to some vitamin D.

4. Sleep
   Being in nature can increase sleep quality. This is partly due to stress reduction, but also because exposure to sunlight during the day can increase your melatonin production at night. Melatonin is needed to regulate your sleep cycle.

5. Eyesight
   So much time behind a screen can take its toll on your eyesight. Spending time outdoors gives your eyes a chance to focus on objects farther away. This can reduce eye-strain.

6. Creativity
   Researchers in the US and Germany found that being in nature helps improve creativity. The German study showed that even looking at the colour green for a few seconds triggered greater creativity than other colors.

7. Relationships
   We all spend so much time in front of a screen. Getting out into nature is a great way to reconnect with family and friends and catch up in person.

Important Days In July

July 4^th—Independence Day- Office will be closed in Observance

July 13^th – Lincoln Park - Food Truck Friday

July 13^th – Lincoln Park – Movie in the Park - Moana

July19th -July 29^th— Vacation- Our office will be closed for chiropractic treatment but open for massages and facials

July 22^nd— Parent’s Day

July 24th-28^th—Mesa County Fair

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad Stuffed Peppers

6 servings

⅔ cup Greek yogurt                                                   

½ English cucumber, diced

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 

3 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed                 

 4 stalks celery, sliced

2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar                            

1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered & divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper              

1 bunch scallions, sliced and divided

⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley                                       Meat from 1 rotisserie chicken, cubed

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mustard and rice vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley.
2. Add the chicken, celery, and three-quarters each of the scallions, tomatoes and cucumbers. Stir well to combine.
3. Divide the chicken salad among the bell pepper boats.
4. Garnish with the remaining scallions, tomatoes and cucumbers.