Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/294426
WHERE THERE'S SMOKE… When was the last time you checked the smoke alarms in your home? Don't let burnt toast be your reminder that your smoke alarms are still working. e National Fire Protection Association recommends pressing the test button on all smoke alarms at least once a month and changing the batteries in your smoke alarm at least once a year. Need a tip to help you remember to change the batteries? Do it every time you change your clocks for daylight saving time. YOUR SKIN: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS One-third of Americans don't use sunscreen on a regular basis. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should apply sunscreen every day you plan on being outside, even when it's cloudy. What kind of sunscreen is best? Choose a water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For everyday protection, the Skin Cancer Foundation suggests makeup wearers apply two sunscreen- containing cosmetic layers in the morning, such as SPF-15 moisturizer and 8-SPF foundation. WITH KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL, SUMMER CAN FEEL LIKE THE MOST UP-IN-THE-AIR TIME OF YEAR FOR PARENTS. HOW DO YOU FIND SPACE IN YOUR CHAOTIC SCHEDULE TO THINK ABOUT YOUR HEALTH? IT DOESN'T TAKE AS MUCH TIME AS YOU THINK. 5 TRY THESE FIVE ways to protect yourself from illness and improve your well-being in ve minutes or less. LATHER, RINSE, REPEAT Washing your hands is the easiest way to prevent the spread of disease in your family, but most of us don't do it correctly. If you're the kind of person who runs your hands under cold water for a few seconds, consider this: a University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Services study found that cold-water rinses—even aer 20 seconds—leave millions of bacteria on your hands and are only slightly more eective than not washing your hands at all. Researchers who conducted the study recommend washing your hands with hot water and soap for at least 40 seconds. Be sure to scrub under your ngernails, as well. 5 Minutes to B etter Health