Day: May 31, 2024

Life The Past Week

This past week has been particularly rough for me as I continue to battle a painful callus on my left foot and a persistent tennis elbow on my right arm. Both issues have been a constant source of discomfort, making daily tasks more challenging. Every step I take has also been painful. Despite the pain, I am still taking time off to do my daily evening walks, which helps me to destress.

Ongoing Struggles with the Callus
I started using a corn patch on the callus yesterday, and today marks the second day of treatment. I’m praying that the callus will peel off soon, as I hope to avoid surgery on my left foot. The process is slow and painful, but I remain hopeful for a non-surgical solution.

Sherilyn’s Health Woes
Sherilyn has also had a tough week. She’s been unwell, suffering from the flu due to weeks of lost sleep while completing back-to-back assignments. Today, she visited the doctor and received medication, including antibiotics, to help her recover. It’s been challenging seeing her so run down, but I’m glad she’s getting the medical care she needs. After seeing the doctor, she went to the dentist to get her retainers which costs me a frigging RM600 and another RM180 for scaling (to be done next week) 🥴

Cass’s Intense Training
Cass has been busy training hard in figure skating at the rink, preparing for an upcoming competition. Her dedication and effort are truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see her perform. Despite her demanding schedule, she remains very focused and determined. She also eats clean and healthy and is very disciplined when it comes to nutrition and fitness.

Alycia’s Academic Commitments
Meanwhile, Alycia has been occupied with a presentation at university. She’s been putting in a lot of effort to ensure her presentation is perfect. It’s been a hectic time for her, but I’m confident she’ll do an excellent job.

A Shorter Week and Looking Forward to the Weekend
This week felt shorter than usual due to a public holiday in the middle of the week. As we welcome the weekend again, it’s a relief to have another public holiday on Monday, giving us a long weekend to rest and recharge.

Despite the challenges, I’m looking forward to the weekend and the chance to relax a bit. Here’s wishing everyone a happy and restful long weekend. Let’s make the most of the extra time off and take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

Stay safe and enjoy the break!

Healthy breakfast that Cass prepped for herself yesterday – sauteed red pepper with tuna, creamy scrambled eggs with black pepper, half an avocado and plain tortilla chips (salt and oil reduced; only four ingredients used to produce these chips).

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5 Strategies to Protect Your Entire Family from Sunburn

The sun’s rays can do a lot of damage to unprotected skin. Getting sunburnt even once can increase your risk of developing skin cancer later in life. That’s why it’s so important to protect your entire family from sunburn whenever you are outside during the summer. Follow these proven strategies to keep your family safe while still having fun in the sun.

  1. Wear Appropriate Clothing

One of the best lines of defence against the sun’s harmful UV rays is wearing clothing that covers and protects your skin. Seek out clothes for UV protection. Look for lightweight, breathable fabrics labelled as UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). UPF clothing is designed to block both UVA and UVB rays and will have a UPF rating of 30 or higher. The higher the UPF, the greater the protection from the sun.

Do your research before purchasing SPF protection clothes, like the UV ray blocking clothing at Lifejacket. Specialist retailers, like the one just mentioned, offer a wide selection of UV ray blocking clothing perfect for the whole family. This includes long-sleeved rashguards or swim shirts, wide-brim hats, sunglasses and lightweight trousers or long skirts. Covering up doesn’t mean baking in the heat. With so many lightweight, moisture-wicking UV protection clothing options, you can stay protected and comfortable at the same time.

  1. Use Suncream Liberally

In addition to protective clothing, properly applied suncream is a must. Choose a broad-spectrum sun cream with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Apply liberally to all exposed skin at least 15 minutes before going outside. Pay special attention to vulnerable areas like noses, ears, cheeks, and shoulders. Reapply suncream every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.

  1. Seek Shade

Whenever possible, avoid direct sunlight during peak intensity hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Plan activities in shaded areas like under trees, umbrellas, or canopies. Take frequent breaks from the sun by going indoors or resting in the shade. If shade isn’t available, create your own with portable cabanas or tents. Remember that clouds do not block UV rays, so sun protection is still essential on cloudy days.

  1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water before, during and after sun exposure. Getting dehydrated can reduce your body’s ability to cool itself, leading to an increased risk of overheating and heat stroke. Kids especially are prone to dehydration. Make sure they take regular water and juice breaks. Avoid sugary, caffeinated beverages, which can speed dehydration.

  1. Monitor UV Levels

Keep an eye on UV levels to plan outdoor activities safely. In the UK, UV levels are highest between mid-April and September. Check the daily UV forecast in your area and avoid prolonged sun exposure on days with moderate or high UV ratings. Apps like SunSmart provide current UV levels right on your phone. Use the UV index to determine how much skin needs to be covered and how often to reapply sunscreen.

Don’t let sunburn spoil your family fun this summer. Follow these tried-and-true sun protection strategies to keep your whole family’s skin safe and healthy. Making sun safety a priority now will pay off with a lifetime of healthy summers ahead.

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HEALTH FREAK MOMMY