Can optimal health continue during a fancy-free summer vacation? The Center for Optimal Health providers think so! Read this month’s newsletter for ideas and tips for staying healthy over the summer months.

MEDICAL NEWS
Travel: Avoiding Sticky Situations (in Your Circulation)

Being immobile for prolonged period of time is a well documented risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (blood clot in deep leg vein). Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can lead to pulmonary embolism (blood clot traveling to the lungs) which is a serious complication. So the best approach to take is being proactive in preventing DVTs! Until the time when transporters depicted in Star Trek become reality, unfortunately traveling means being immobile in an aircraft or motor vehicle for some period of time.

Learn how you can prevent DVT...

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH NEWS
Stress-free Vacations

Did you know that Americans happen to be the world’s worst when it comes to taking vacations? Not only do Americans have less vacation time than any other Western country, they tend not to take the vacation days they have. One reason that I frequently hear in my practice is that “vacations are stressful!” There are benefits to taking vacations, however.

Learn more about the benefits of taking a vacation...

PHYSICAL THERAPY NEWS
Keep Going While You’re Gone

While many of us have the best of hopes to stay active and exercise regularly while on vacation, it is a sad fact that most of us cannot report a high level of success in this area. The easiest way to ensure a high level of activity on your vacation is to seek out active or adventure vacations. There are companies dedicated to organizing and guiding fabulous biking tours anywhere in the world. Guided rafting tours are also available for anyone from families with children to the adrenaline junky.

Read more about staying fit while on vacation...

NUTRITIONAL NEWS
Traveling “Lite”

Got plans for the summer? Most of us enjoy getting away in the summer whether for a whole week or simply a couple days. Vacation is a great time to spend time with loved ones, relax, enjoy the sunshine, and for some of us, eat! Vacation is a time to enjoy ethnic cuisine and to try new things, however, even though we have been stuck in our sedentary jobs or stale routines, this is no time to splurge--moderation must be continued.

Read more about traveling "lite"...

SEXUAL HEALTH NEWS
Creating a Romantic Vacation

For many couples, going on vacation means getting away from routine and transforming back into the carefree lovers they once were. Having time to relax and reconnect with one’s partner can enhance pleasure, as can being in a novel setting and doing new things.

Learn what couples can do to help a vacation deliver on its promise of romance...