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On this week’s episode of Health + Happiness, Joy and Vivien explain how sports injuries can affect brain health, share frozen treats that are good for you and talk about how to stay safe in the sun. Here’s a brief recap of what we learned in Episode 8. In case you missed it, you can watch the full episode here.

Concussion Care
Concussions—brain injuries that can affect how you think—have been making headlines recently because of the devastating effects they’ve had on professional athletes. But you don’t need to experience a concussion. And knowing the symptoms can help keep you safe, especially because repeated concussions can cause chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a rare condition that can result in permanent damage to the brain. You’ve likely heard about concussions on the football and soccer field, but they can happen in virtually any activity, including water sports. Rest is the standard treatment—giving your brain and body time to recoup is important so you don’t delay your recovery. Talk to your doctor if you’ve experienced any symptoms, including headaches, memory loss, confusion, dizziness, sleepiness and nausea and vomitting.

SYS: Save Your Skin
You already know to wear sunscreen anytime you’re outside, but here are some specific details you may not be aware of. Choose SPF 15 for everyday use, 30 for casual outdoor use and 50 for all-day adventures. And be generous! Most people apply only a third of what they need. The average bottle should last you about 4 to 5 full-body applications. Apply every two hours, and if you’re in the water or sweating, apply more frequently. You can also wear sun-protective clothing. Sunglasses are a smart move, as the skin around the eyes is some of the thinnest on the body. Finally, don’t forget to check moles regularly, and remember this handy acronym: ABCDE.

A stands for asymmetry. Normal moles are symmetrical; asymmetry is a sign of trouble.
B is borders. Smooth, even borders are regular. Jagged, uneven borders may signal an issue.
C represents color. One or two colors are what you’re looking for. Changing color might be something to bring up to your doctor.
D is diameter. The size of a pencil eraser or smaller is what you want. Anything larger could signify a problem.
E is evolving, and is perhaps the most important. Any mole that is changing may be a sign of trouble and is worth bringing up to your health care provider.

Joy Walking
Joy pounds the pavement to see if people knew which produce pick was higher in vitamin C: a green pepper or an orange. The answer: Green pepper packs twice as much immune-boosting C as an orange. She shares two DIY natural skin treatments: an orange-oatmeal mask and an avocado-olive oil mask.

From Junk Food to Joy Food 
It’s time to chill out with two frozen treats. Try these sugar-free Berry Ice Pops, featuring a secret green superfood or this rich Chocolate Ice Cream, which tastes every bit as indulgent as the real deal.

Joyful Note 
Start each day with gratitude and positivity. How? Find small ways to brighten the day by complimenting a friend or family member via text or phone call.

Here’s hoping your week is filled with health, happiness and a daily dose of Joy. To catch up on episodes of Health+Happiness, click here.



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