Tips for Staying Healthy This Spring From the Doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care

Spring is in the air! It’s time to revel in the season of rebirth and renewal. Why not make the most of the longer days by taking time to renew your health goals, refresh your home, and rejuvenate your outlook? The doctors at South Tampa Immediate Care offer the following tips for staying healthy this spring:

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    Enjoy seasonal fruits and vegetables – A delicious variety of fruits and vegetables are readily available in the spring.  Promote health and wellness by cutting out junk food and savoring nature’s bounty instead. For example, forgo the mayo and enhance your sandwich with a slice of juicy tomato, or in place of bacon bits and croutons, top your salad with fresh strawberries and blueberries to add healthy, vibrant flavor.

  • Spend some time outdoors – Light can serve to elevate your mood and provide protection against depression and insomnia. In addition, studies show that safe levels of vitamin D exposure may help prevent a host of diseases, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer of the breast, prostate, and colon, to name a few.

  • Take care of your skin – Hopefully, you’ve been applying your sunscreen all winter long. But now that it’s spring, you’ll probably be spending more time outside, so you’ll need to be extra vigilant with the SPF. Also, be sure to wear sunglasses and a hat for further protection from the sun’s harmful rays—at the same time, you can make a stylish fashion statement.

  • Get active – Exercise is one of the most important things you can do for your health and well-being. In addition to the numerous physical benefits of a regular fitness regimen, you will feel relaxed and revitalized following the natural release of stress-relieving endorphins that is stimulated by a workout. Short on time? Take a 30-minute walk outside, breathe the fresh air, and take in your surroundings.

  • Do some spring cleaning – There’s nothing like the sense of calm inspired by a clutter-free environment. Break down your spring cleaning chores into manageable projects targeted for one afternoon or weekend, and you’ll be making great progress in no time!

  • Toss expired cosmetics – Check the expiration dates on your cosmetics. Just like food, skincare products and makeup expire and should be thrown out after six months to a year. Otherwise, bacteria can build up, possibly leading to break-outs and eye infections.

  • Wash your hands – Thorough hand washing is the number one way to avoid getting sick and spreading illness. Scrub for a minimum of 20 seconds using warm water and soap. Have plenty of fresh-scented soap on hand to encourage everyone in your home to lather up frequently.

  • Get a physical – Before joining the office softball team or beginning your training for a 10K, be sure to check whether you are due for a physical exam. If so, spring is the perfect time to schedule an appointment with your doctor to have your vitals checked, review your medications, and discuss any health concerns you may have.

For more tips on how to stay healthy this spring, please browse our online series of health articles. If you have questions or are in need of a personal physician, consider contacting or visiting South Tampa Immediate Care. Our walk-in clinic is centrally located on South Howard Avenue in Tampa and convenient to patients throughout Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Brandon, and the Greater Tampa Bay area. With us, you never need an appointment—our experienced, Board-certified doctors will see you on your schedule, seven days a week.