Your guide to a happy, healthy August: What to eat, see and do this month

I know, I know: It feels like Brat Summer has just begun. But all the back-to-school shows everywhere suggest ice days, pool floats and leaving work early on Fridays to watch. The twisters they are coming to an end. The good news is that there’s still plenty of fun to be had this month, from exciting sporting events (the Olympics, Paralympics and US Open) to gourmet holidays. And since old habits die hard, maybe that fierce-looking energy for a teacher can inspire you to get back on your A-game when it comes to any life goals you’ve let slip summer. Here’s how to get started…

🧖‍♀️ Relax, friend. Aug 15 is International Recreation Day. Do you get a day off? No. Should you take public holiday? Maybe. However, make it a point to squeeze in some R&R – whether that means booking an after-work massage, eating lunch out instead of answering emails at the desk. you or to leave the housework and relax at home with a movie.

💉 Roll out your hand. COVID-19, flu, RSV, MMR, Tdap…. There are so many shots out there, and you may not even remember if you ever had them, when you had them, and when how long do they work (in the case of Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, for example, adults should get a booster about every 10 years). Since August is National Immunization Awareness Month, take the time to review your health records and talk to your primary care physician about any up-to-date (or missed) shots you may need. .

🍽️ Add the zucchini to your plate. Believe it or not, National Sneak Some Zucchini On For Your March Day is a thing, and it falls on Aug. 8. The idea is that gardeners will have more of these products, they will just need to share. remove everything. The good news is that you don’t need a green thumb (or a neighbor you know) to participate. Whether it’s from the garden or the grocery store, zucchini is a nutrient-dense summer squash for your diet (and digestion, thanks to the water and fiber). If you’re still reeling from the zoods craze of the early 2010s, fear not: Zucchini are great, and fried in a little olive oil (or avocado) , salt and pepper, or you can make a fire for delicious zucchini boats. top with panko breadcrumbs and goat cheese.

⛳ Go ahead. It’s National Golf Month! If you’ve never hit the greens (or your local putt-putt), you’re missing out on a lot of health benefits inside and out. Here are some tips to get you started, inspired by Scottie Scheffler’s recent gold medal performance at the Paris Olympics.

🎒 Catch that back-to-school spirit. The group will soon return to the children’s program. While your school days may not be a distant memory, there’s something appealing about using this time to focus and refresh after (let’s be honest ) decrease in summer. What are your goals for the rest of the year? Is there a new skill you want to learn, or a project you’re ready to take on? Grab a fresh journal (and maybe some No. 2 pencils?) and write it down.

🦪 Get shucking – safely. If you have a desire to use bivalves, you are in luck: August 5 is National Oyster Day, But even oysters have a lot to recommend – they are a good source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids – can also cause foodborne illness when eaten raw. Want to slurp safely? Experts recommend ordering oysters from trusted vendors and restaurants, grabbing only those with solid shells and considering cooked alternatives (oyster stew, anyone?), especially if you are not safe.

🤱🏽 Be a breastfeeding friend. August is National Breastfeeding Month, and here’s why you should care even if you don’t have a baby (or breasts): While people can argue about the merits of formula, “breastfeeding is best.” and breastfeeding, we can all agree that mothers should not. I have the problem of trying to feed their hungry children. How can you help? Advocate for your workplace to have clean, private facilities for breastfeeding and pumping. Cover for a nursing colleague, friend, etc. if they need a break to pump in peace. Keep your weaning advice to yourself without asking for it. And for goodness’ sake, don’t be embarrassed, hesitant, or embarrassed when you see someone breastfeeding in public.

🍑 Have a peach. The 1990s rocking Presidents of the United States of America had the right idea: “If I had my way, I’d eat peaches one day.” and one.” However, if you could only pick one day, make it Aug. 22, aka “Eat a Peach Day.” Sure, peaches taste great, but they’re healthy — they help with digestion, eye health, daily vitamin C intake, and more. You can’t go wrong with a fresh, juicy peach from the market, but if you want to hit something special, recipe inspo (peach and arugula salad, maybe?) awaits here.

😷 Beware of COVID. Unfortunately, COVID-19 doesn’t seem to have caught up this summer. The situation is on the rise, and every day seems to bring a new text from a friend who just found out they are infected after returning from vacation or a summer party. If it looks like the walls are closing in, consider heeding expert advice on masking and other ways to protect yourself.

🧺 Plant outside. Did you know that there is an entire day dedicated to celebrating fresh air? On Aug. 31, grab a picnic blanket, dust off the furniture or set up an alfresco table at your favorite restaurant. Research has found that there are mental and physical benefits associated with eating out, making diners feel more comfortable and making healthier food choices.

☕ Have a cup of joe: Rejoice, java lovers: August is National Coffee Month! And if you’re feeling guilty about your daily caffeine fix, stop. In moderation – like, not the constant kind of cold drink that keeps you up all night and maybe not a latte with whipped cream and sprinkles – coffee is actually good for you. It keeps your mind clear, helps prevent many diseases, including some types of cancer and type 2 diabetes, and is full of antioxidants. We’ll raise a glass to that. (For the record, the Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine per day, although some people may be hypersensitive to the stimulant and should therefore have below.)

🎾 Make a racket. If Challengers and the recent passion for tennis hasn’t made you love tennis, maybe the US Open, which will start on August 26. If you’re looking to get a heart-pounding workout that will build muscle and improve bone health, consider getting yourself a racket (and follow these expert tips to avoid injury in the process). Your pickleball parents will understand.

🚨 Consider adding Narcan to your first aid kit. It probably doesn’t make sense that you or a loved one could experience a drug overdose – but it does happen, and so does (often fatal) accidental exposure to fentanyl. Last year Narcan — a brand-name nasal spray of naloxone, which quickly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose — became available over the counter. Experts say it can save lives in an emergency, and schools, public libraries and select airlines are among those that stock it. Since International Texting Abuse Awareness Day will fall on Aug. 31, it is important that you consider visiting the pharmacy or grocery store and put them in your first aid kit.