The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and spring has (finally!) arrived. This is the season of renewal, so what better time to clean up and refresh your health. Here are 5 easy ways to get started today!

1) Get outside!

These warmer temperatures are just calling for a walk at lunchtime, a run down the Schuylkill River Trail, or a picnic in Rittenhouse Square. Though being active is important, just getting out into the fresh air can lead to greater happiness. Maybe give gardening a try. Even small city balconies can grow veggies in pots and containers and people who garden have reduced stress, get increased amounts of vitamin D and can have improved mental clarity. Plus, they tend to eat more fruits and veggies, which leads us to our next tip.

2) Clean up your diet

With fresh fruits and veggies more readily available this time of year, it is a great time to embrace “clean eating”. This means incorporating fresh, real, whole foods into the diet and limiting overly processed foods with long, indecipherable ingredient lists. Ways to achieve clean eating include: increasing your intake of fresh fruits and veggies, eating the least processed grains (such as quinoa, wild rice, steel cut oats), avoiding added/refined sugar and going light on meat products. Choosing grass-fed/pasture raised options when you do eat meat is overall better for your health and the health of the environment.

3) Clean out your medicine cabinet

You likely have medicines stored from old prescriptions that might be handy “someday”. This is a good time to get to work clearing out all of those medications that have outlived their use. Be sure to check expiration dates. Many meds lose efficacy after this date and some can become toxic. A good rule of thumb is to toss any prescription medicine that is over a year old. For safety and environmental reasons, it is best not to toss medications directly into the trash or down the toilet. Your local pharmacy, police station or DEA may provide opportunities to safely dispose of medications. If not readily available, you can place meds in a sealable bag (add water if pills or solid medications are present to dissolve them fully). Then add kitty litter, coffee grounds or saw dust to the bag. This makes the package less appealing to children and animals. Finally seal the bag and place in the trash. Be sure to remove all labels of medication bottles that are thrown away.

4) Clean out your makeup bag

I know you might be very attached to that perfect shade of lipstick you have had for years, but old makeup can carry bacteria that can lead to infection. Here are some guidelines on when to toss those products: eyeshadow:3-6 months, Blush/bronzer: up to 2 years, Lipstick: up to 1 year, Mascara: 3 months. Be sure to also clean your brushes and make up bag regularly.

5) Finally, if you have not done so already, make an appointment for your annual physical. At this appointment we can guide you with recommendations on diet and exercise and be sure you are up to date on all of your recommended screenings.

Happy spring, everyone!