Spicy Meals - They can give you heartburn or reflux problems.

If you think staying up late is no big deal. Wrong. Sleeplessness can be hazardous to your health. Research points to an increase to the risk of depression. Good health needs 8 to 10 hours of sleep.

August is time for outdoor summer fun. Not only are the sunshine and fresh air good for you, but long summer days are perfect for exercising and socializing. Here are a few suggestions for people of all ages:

Nature walk - A nature walk is a fun way to spend a beautiful day and learn about nature. You might take along binoculars so you can get a close up view of any wildlife that you may encounter.

Bike Riding - Bike riding is a wonderful way to spend quality time with the family. You may want to attempt a longer ride on the weekend. Put on your helmet, check the tires and hit the road.

Badminton - This is a backyard sport that doesn't require expensive equipment. An early form of the game was played in ancient Greece and Egypt. Today, it's even an Olympic sport.

Horseshoes - This is another backyard sport that only requires two spikes and horseshoes. It's a pleasant way to get some moderate exercise while socializing with family and friends.

Water Volleyball - This is a wonderful way to cool off on a hot summer day. All you need is a swimming pool, net, volleyball and friends. The game provides excellent low impact exercise.

Croquet - This is a generation game for kids, parents and grandparents. It can become a competitive game for teenagers and keep them home in the backyard. Croquet sets are fairly inexpensive and the rules are easy to understand.

Explore a New Park - Spend a couple of hours checking out the new park. Take along a sack lunch and enjoy the fresh air in a shaded area. Take a hike on the trails. Equipment can be very minimum; a blanket, a deck of cards and a ball or frisbee.

There are so many fun activities to do in the summer time. Whatever activity you choose, make sure to drink plenty of water.

You might or might not be aware that fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants. That's not all. They are filled with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Not only will you get the nutrients you need but you won't have to worry about the waistline (unless you eat too much). But the fruits and vegetables listed in the box to the left are low in calories and fat.

Get the Vitamin D you need while protecting yourself from the sun. This vitamin plays a vital role in your bone health. It helps your body absorb calcium and maintain blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Never expose your skin to noonday sun for long periods of time. Although it may be hard to eat Vitamin D foods in the summer, try to eat salmon, beef liver, egg yolks, sardines, mackerel and fortified milk and cereal at least once a week.

Usually, summertime is not a time to eat big meals and lie down. It's a time for activity, fun and light meals. So just enjoy this month, because the season is changing soon and we will be slowing down somewhat. I hope you have had an enjoyable summer.

"Life is lived looking forward, but understood looking backward."
-Anonymous

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