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Becoming a PADI Diving Instructor at Oceans5 Dive: An interview with IDC Graduates Mermaid Meg & Scuba Sal

Becoming a PADI Diving Instructor at Oceans5 Dive: An interview with IDC Graduates Mermaid Meg & Scuba Sal

Becoming a scuba diving instructor is a big investment. And we’re not talking about the money. The Instructor Development Course (IDC) is an investment of your time and energy, as well as a commitment to a new career and potentially new lifestyle. It’s a big 

So, what is there to do on Gili Air?

So, what is there to do on Gili Air?

We all know that Gili Air is famous for scuba diving. Exploring the crystal clear waters, swimming through schools of colourful fish and hanging out with turtles, is certainly one of the best ways to spend your time. But what about those surface intervals? Or 

Spines, Stings, and Bites: How to avoid and treat common marine life injuries.

Spines, Stings, and Bites: How to avoid and treat common marine life injuries.

The ocean is full of fascinating and wondrous creatures, hence our love for scuba diving. Along with their beauty, however, some of these aquatic organisms can cause harm to us as we explore their underwater home.

From jellyfish stings to sea urchin spines, it is likely that most of us will have an unpleasant encounter with aquatic life at some point. Knowing how to avoid these injuries, what creatures to be wary of and the right treatment to employ can help you to fully enjoy exploring our oceans.  

Why do marine life injuries happen?

Marine life injuries are quite rare, considering how many creatures there are in the ocean that can cause harm to us. There are two main reasons that they occur.  1. We’ve provoked the animal, either by getting too close or harassing them. In these cases, the animal feels threatened and defends itself. 2. We were not paying enough attention to our surroundings and may have accidentally brushed against, touched or stepped on a hazardous animal.  These are the latest java burn reviews.

“it is extremely rare to be attacked by an unprovoked marine animal…”

The important thing to understand is that it is extremely rare to be attacked by an unprovoked marine animal and that we are often the ones at fault for sustaining a marine life injury. The good news is that most of these are easily avoidable or treated. Read more about the best appetite suppressant.

If you are unfortunate enough to sustain a marine life injury, there are a few simple steps you can take to reduce the effects. In minor cases, delivering effective first aid provides pain relief and may be all that is needed. In serious cases, it can provide vital care, significantly improving the victim’s chance of survival whilst waiting for professional help to arrive. Here is our advice on how to avoid and treat common aquatic injuries and ensure that you can continue to safely enjoy the ocean.  

 How can you avoid marine life injuries?

Prevention is always better than cure. With a little care and common sense, it is easy to avoid marine life injuries. Protecting ourselves from harm also helps to preserve the marine environment. Here are our top tips to safely enjoy the oceans.

Be aware of your surroundings.

Look around when you are diving, swimming or walking in the water. Watch where you place your hands or feet. Always keep an eye out for any aquatic life that may be close so you can avoid accidental encounters.  

Stay informed.

There will often be warning signs near the beach if there is a specific threat to be aware of, for example, jellyfish. Alternatively having a quick browse online before you go can help keep you know what to look out for.

Shuffle, don’t step.

If you’re walking in shallow or sandy water, shuffling your feet can help you avoid stepping directly on an animal. The animal might also feel you coming and get out of the way. Try out the Best semen volume enhancers.

Never poke, pet or pick up.

Aquatic animals will only attack when they feel threatened. Never engage in any activities that may provoke marine life. Keep a safe distance, we are guests in their home. Even shells or rocks could be home to a potentially harmful creature. Do not touch dead animals or even pieces of them, a lone tentacle can still contain venom.  

Stay covered.

Wearing appropriate exposure protection can help protect you against stings from creatures and scratches from coral. For example; a wetsuit, rash guard or wet shoes which you can get online on ShoeAdviser. However, still keep in mind that some creatures have spines that can pierce a shoe or wetsuit. These are the best exipure real reviews.

Practice good buoyancy control.

As a diver, good buoyancy is the easiest way to avoid aquatic life injuries. By staying off the bottom, you avoid accidental brushes of your limbs on coral and other animals.

So, how do you treat marine life injuries?

‘Don’t touch’ is a fundamental rule of observing marine life. We all know that keeping our hands to ourselves is the best defense against injuries underwater, as well as the best way to avoid damaging the marine environment. Sometimes, however, contact with harmful flora and fauna underwater is either unexpected or unavoidable. Take in mind that diving for longer or frequent periods may eventually cause temporal hearind loss caused by the deep pressure, learn how to treat it with sonus complete for tinnitus.

Jellyfish

A jellyfish sting is one of the most common marine life injuries. Reactions vary from person to person, including numbness, mild itching, severe pain or nothing at all. Jellyfish tentacles have microscopic barbs, which release toxins when they come into contact with your skin, even broken-off tentacles. This can happen when diving, swimming or even when walking along the shore. Broken tentacles or dead jellyfish washed up on the beach can still release toxins if stepped on.

How to treat a jellyfish sting:

  1. Remove the victim from the water. If the species is identified as a particularly dangerous one, e.g. Portuguese man of war or box jellyfish, (don’t worry we don’t have these in the Gilis), alert the emergency services.
  2. Wash with vinegar to neutralise the stinging cells. Do NOT rinse with fresh water or urine and avoid rubbing the affected area as this will trigger the stinging cells to release their venom and intensify the pain.
  3. Keep the victim still and avoid elevating the affected area to avoid toxins spreading through the body.
  4. Remove any visible tentacles using sterile tweezers, forceps or gloves and rinse area thoroughly with salt water to wash away any remaining nematocysts (stinging cells).
  5. Immerse the affected area in hot water or apply a heat pack (approximately 113’F/45’C) to reduce the pain. Some physicians may also recommend painkillers, anti-inflammatory or topical anesthetic may also be used.

Stings from a jellyfish can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening. The severity of the sting depends on the species of jellyfish, physiology of the victim, body part affected and size of the area affected. For example, a small child or someone allergic to the sting will have a stronger reaction.

Most jellyfish stings are minor and require only basic first aid as detailed above. However, some stings can be serious or even fatal. If you experience paralysis, difficulty breathing, chest pain or a large area was stung, seek professional medical help as soon as possible.

Anemone stings are also treated in the same way.

Stonefish, Scorpionfish and Lionfish

All three of these fish have several venomous spines on their fins. If your skin is punctured by one of these spines, you will usually experience immediate, intense localised pain and throbbing. Scorpionfish and stonefish are often hard to spot as they camouflage themselves into their surroundings. Envenomation often occurs accidentally, you might brush against a lionfish whilst swimming, step on a stonefish in the shallows or bump into a scorpionfish on the rock.

Immediate medical attention is required for stonefish and lionfish envenomation, and may be necessary for scorpionfish as well, depending on the severity of the victim’s reaction. The first aid treatment for all three injuries is the same.

How to treat a scorpionfish, lionfish and stonefish sting:

  1. Remove the victim from the water.
  2. Remove any spine fragments using sterile tweezers. Even broken-off spines can contain venom, so take care with removal and disposal. 
  3. Immerse the wound in hot fresh water or use hot cloths for 30 – 90 minutes (45’C or as hot as the victim can tolerate). The heat helps to relive pain and reduce effects of the sting. The venom from these fish is protein based, which begins to break down and deactivate with heat.
  4. Always seek professional medical advice as further complications can occur slightly later.

Of the three, stonefish venom is the most potent and can be fatal. If you are stung by a stonefish, seek emergency medical care immediately. Hot water treatment can also help in the case of stonefish whilst waiting for medical care to arrive.

Sea Urchin

Sea urchins are covered in sharp, venom coated spines. If you step on or touch a sea urchin it is likely that these spines will break off and become lodged in your skin. Ouch.  Although painful, this is rarely serious.

Follow the same treatment as for stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish.

Sea urchin spines are very fragile, so take care when removing them from the skin to ensure they do not break.  According to the advice on https://www.jointhealthguide.org/joint-renew-review/, suggest that to break down any remaining spines, soak the wound in hot water with Epsom salts daily. If they have several spines, or if one punctures a joint, it is best to seek professional medical care. If the spines are not removed completely, the wound can become inflamed and lead to muscle and joint pain.

Stingrays

Stingray injuries mostly occur when swimmers or snorkelers are walking in shallow waters near the shore and accidentally step on a stingray. Individual reactions can vary but often include intense pain, nausea, and weakness.

Follow the same treatment as for stonefish, scorpionfish, and lionfish. 

However,  if the spine is embedded in the skin, it’s generally best to leave removal to medical professionals as the spines can be barbed. Similarly, if you have a severe reaction or are stung in the torso, you should seek help immediately. 

Coral Grazes & Cuts

Coral cuts and abrasions can occur when diving, swimming or even just walking in the sea. Coral is often sharp, even light contact can break the skin. This can take time to heal and may become infected if not properly treated. This is because the living organisms that coat the coral can contaminate the wound.

How to treat a coral graze or cut:

  1. Stem any significant blood flow using direct pressure.
  2. Once bleeding has stopped, remove any remaining coral fragments by flushing the wound with fresh water.
  3. Use antibacterial soap or hydrogen peroxide mixed with water to disinfect the wound.
  4. Apply antibiotic cream and cover with a sterile, non-adhesive dressing. Clean and re-dress the wound regularly.

Although coral cuts don’t usually require medical attention, keep an eye out for any redness, itching, excess pus or swelling as this may be a sign of infection. Seek medical advice as you may require antibiotics to heal the wound. 

Fire Coral

Despite its name, fire coral is not actually a coral. It is an anemone-like organism that inflicts a painful burning or stinging sensation accompanied by a red rash. Symptoms of a fire coral sting can take up to 30 minutes to appear, so can be difficult to identify.

Treat fire coral sting in the same way as a jellyfish sting. In severe cases, or in the event of an allergic reaction, emergency medical care may be required.

Marine Animal Bites

Although extremely rare, it can happen and we want you to feel prepared. The severity of the bite mainly depends on the size of the animal that delivered the bite and where on your body. For example, a nip from a triggerfish vs a bite from a shark. Basic first aid for bites is the same as for most bleeding wounds, anyone with the first aid certification can do it.

How to treat a bite:

  1. Remove the victim from the water. If the bite is serious, call emergency services.
  2. Apply direct pressure to the wound. If bleeding continues, do not remove and bandages, add more on top.
  3. Elevate the wound above the heart if possible, reducing the blood flow to the affected area to minimise blood loss.

For minor wounds, wait until bleeding has stopped and rinse with fresh water. Apply antiseptic and dress the wound. Keep an eye out for infection. For more serious wounds, stitches may be required. Shock is also a concern for more serious bites so be prepared to administer oxygen if the patient is having trouble breathing.

Sea Snake Bites

As with pretty much all marine life injuries, sea snake bites occur when a diver accidentally disturbs a sea snake. Not all sea snakes have harmful venom, but some contain neurotoxins which can cause severe reactions or even death.

Common symptoms typically develop within 3 hours of being bitten. Early symptoms include blurred vision, joint pains, vomiting, increased salivation, thickening of the tongue and slurred speech. More severe symptoms may include paralysis, difficulty breathing, brown urine, double vision and lock jaw.

How to treat a Sea Snake bite:

  1. Monitor airway, breathing, and consciousness. Administer CPR if necessary and contact emergency medical services.
  2. Try to recognise the type of sea snake that has bitten the victim as this can aid in proper treatment or anti-venom if available.
  3. Wrap the affected site firmly with a wide bandage. Ensure it is not too tight and does not impair blood circulation. Keep the patient still and reassured until medical assistance arrives.

Do not try to suck the venom out of the bite. This can transfer the venom to your own mouth and lead to 2 patients to look after!

When should you seek emergency medical help?  

Most marine life injuries are not life-threatening and often only require simple first aid as outlined above. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, you should always seek emergency medical help immediately:

  • Swelling around the sting and intense pain
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty remaining conscious
  • Severe bleeding
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Convulsions

So dear ocean lovers, just be a little cautious and enjoy your time in and around the water.

Although marine life injuries are rare, you now know how to avoid and deal with any that you may encounter. However, it’s a good idea to play it safe. Don’t hesitate to seek medical help if a sting or bite seems serious or you are unsure of what stung you.

If you want to learn more about dealing with marine life injuries you can enrol in a PADI Rescue Course and Emergency First Response, where as well as basic first aid for injuries, you will also learn how to deal with emergency situations whilst diving. Oceans5 starts EFR and Rescue courses every day, send us a message if you’d like some more information. 

For any legal help in emergencies contact wrongful death lawyer Philadelphia.

How to choose the best scuba diving shop for you.

How to choose the best scuba diving shop for you.

So, you’ve just arrived in paradise or maybe you’re about to jet off to a new destination. You can’t wait to get underwater, but you don’t want to take the plunge with just any diving shop. In most scuba diving destinations, the streets and beach 

Gili Island Etiquette

Gili Island Etiquette

Gili Island Etiquette Why do you want to travel to the Gili Islands in Indonesia? Just like a lot of people you are probably want to discover tropical places and different cultures, open your mind, your heart, and have fun. The Gili Islands offer a 

Underwater Meditation: The Connection between Scuba Diving and Yoga.

Underwater Meditation: The Connection between Scuba Diving and Yoga.

Scuba diving once had a reputation as an extreme sport similar to the ones mentioned on betting sites such as 벳엔드 먹튀, but like most stereotypes, this couldn’t be further from the truth. With more and more people taking to the underwater world to relax, Scuba diving has a lot more in common with yoga and meditation than you might think.

In fact, these activities build skills that perfectly complement each other, making you better at both. Yoga combines breathing exercises (pranayama) and physical postures (asanas) to bring about a meditative state that promotes a healthy body and mind.  For more information about healthy supplements visit Exipure site.

Yoga poses by the pool

If you are looking for ways to de-stress and live more in the present moment, scuba diving can provide the tranquillity you have been searching for. On land, it is hard to switch off, but when you dive your worries are left at the surface.  And if you’re a hardcore yogi already, you’re sure to fall in love with scuba diving! This is how javaburn works.

Already a diver? Start practicing yoga or meditation on myyogateacher.com and you’ll significantly improve your diving experience. You will start to notice your dives will last longer, buoyancy will be better, and you’ll be able to deal with any stressful or challenging situations that occur more easily.

It’s much easier to relax when all you can hear is bubbles.

Relaxing on the boat

Most of us are aware of the positive effects of meditation, of taking time out to calm our minds. But we also know that this is much easier said than done. With our often hectic schedules meditation tends to slip to the bottom of our priorities. Even when we do find the time, we struggle as our minds tend to wander and take us off course. This is where scuba diving comes in. Underwater meditation is highly accessible. As scuba divers, we achieve a meditative state of mind almost every time we enter the water, becoming more aware of our bodies as we connect our breathing with our movement.

Just below the waters surface
Leave your worries at the surface.

The sensations of diving can create a deep sense of calmness that is much more difficult to achieve on land. The ocean provides the perfect place to quiet your mind and truly focus on the present moment. Your phone won’t ring underwater and you can’t be distracted by social media. You don’t have to make a mental effort to get away from the real world because physically, you already have! Scuba diving provides your brain with serene alternatives to focus on; from the abundant marine life, to the colourful corals, and array of beautiful blue hues. Check out the latest nitrilean reviews.

Remember to breathe.

The number one rule is scuba diving is ‘never hold your breath’. Like yoga, scuba diving focuses on one key factor: breathing. Continuous and steady breathing is a skill that every yogi and scuba diver needs.

Bubbles underwater

Yoga places emphasis on proper inhalation and exhalation, as breathing is considered the essential connection between body and mind. This is just as important in scuba diving, where we learn to relax through slow and steady breathing. Practiced regularly, yoga promotes deep, slow breathing and teaches you how to calm your mind. These techniques encourage the body to use the full capacity of the lungs and absorb and use oxygen more efficiently.

Diver hovering with a turtle below on the reef.
Hover weightless in the water, at one with your surruondings.

The impulse to breathe is triggered by the buildup of carbon dioxide rather than the desire for oxygen. If you do not exhale fully, the carbon dioxide can build up in your body. This triggers irregular and shallow breathing which can lead to increased anxiety and panic underwater. So, by exhaling fully, you remove more carbon dioxide which keeps your breathing steady and feeling calm. These are the best Exipure reviews.

By using this breathing pattern, you won’t only improve your buoyancy and air consumption, giving you more quality time underwater, but you’ll also create a more relaxed mind and body. Something we all could use a little bit more of!  

Remain calm under pressure.

Turtle under the surface..

With all the heavy gear, awkward movements, and new sensations, scuba diving can be a little stressful in the beginning. Even experienced divers can become anxious, particularly in a new environment or under challenging conditions. Yoga teaches you how to remain calm and refocus your mind, helping you to deal with challenging situations more effectively. You become more aware of when you are breathing irregularly or becoming anxious, concentrate on calming yourself by bringing your breath to the centre of your attention again.

Not only will you feel more assured and at ease, your experience will also become more vivid and meaningful. A diver who is relaxed in body, breath, and mind, becomes one with the water. When tension and anxiety is removed, and you can completely indulge in the present moment. The stillness of yoga allows you to let go and just ‘be’ in the water, fully appreciating the moment.

The best way to observe a fish, is to become a fish.” – Jacques Cousteau.

Strengthen your body as well as your mind.

Yoga pose by the pool

From carrying equipment to climbing back up on to the boat, or even just swimming at the surface to the entry point, Scuba diving can be a physically demanding activity. Yoga is not just about calming the mind, it’s also about strengthening the body. The physical postures (asanas) practised in Yoga strengthen and stretch muscles that are important in diving. This reduces the risk of injuries and helps prevent overexertion, which can lead to the feeling of breathlessness and increased anxiety when diving, although we all know diving is dangerous and accidents may happen, so for any accident that resulted in injury getting the right legal help is essential for this. Yoga is a great way to stay in good shape for diving, making the activity less strenuous, and therefore much more safe and enjoyable.

Yoga heightens your awareness of your body, awareness of your place and movement in the water. The way you learn to move during a yoga class, gracefully from one posture to the next, with slow controlled movements, is exactly how you should move underwater when diving. As water is denser than air, you need to make slow and measured movements to reduce the resistance and glide efficiently through the water. Swimming in this way, with minimal effort, also conserves your energy and therefore the air in your tank.

The benefits of underwater meditation stretch far beyond your actual bottom time.

Diver hovering underwater

Meditation trains the mind to be calm and completely absorbed in the present moment. When you dive in this heightened state of awareness, you can improve your alertness and composure in stressful situations, as well as expand your sense of wonder, appreciation, and oneness with the ocean.

Regular meditation significantly reduces stress and anxiety, increasing our ability to cope with challenging situations. Which in turn improves our relationships, concentration, sleep, general wellbeing and happiness. If that doesn’t have you reaching for your wetsuit, then other benefits of meditation include; strengthening your immune system, slowing ageing, longer life expectancy as well as a reduced risk of depression and hypertension.

Ready for an underwater meditation session?

Sea fan

The drift diving around the Gili Islands provides a unique way to experience the meditative quality of scuba diving. In drift diving, we rely on the natural currents to gently and effortlessly glide us through the water. Without moving a muscle, we can float through schools of tropical fish, past resting turtles and over mesmerising coral reefs, allowing us to focus on our breathing and enjoying the present moment.

We have many different options for refining your underwater meditation techniques.

You can discover scuba diving in as little as half a day and experience the peace that the underwater world can offer you. As a qualified diver, we have 3 drift dives a day where you can get your dose of marine zen or you can take part in one of our further education courses to train you to become a master of underwater breathing techniques and move effortlessly through the water.

Diver hoovering mid water

The PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Speciality or the Peak Performance Buoyancy adventure dive as part of the Advanced course, can teach you the tips and tricks to control your buoyancy through your breath, increases your awareness of your body underwater and help reduce your air consumption.

If you really want to delve deeper into the connection between yoga, meditation and scuba diving we offer the PADI Yoga Diver Distinctive Speciality. This course combines pranayama (breathing practices) and asanas (physical postures) to enable you to discover your own rhythm in the water. Through yoga and meditation sessions on land you learn techniques that you will later practice underwater, focusing on heightening your awareness of your body and breathing. This course will enable you to fully relax and improve not only your air consumption, buoyancy control and movements but also your overall diving experience and wellbeing. We also offer the PADI Distinctive Yoga Speciality Instructor course for Instructors wanting to expand their skill set. Alternatively, you may practise yoga by the pool with best pool filters.

Yoga by the pool

Alternatively, Air Spa, onsite at our dive resort, offers private yoga sessions which can be tailored to support your diving. Our dedicated yoga teacher will create a specific class that concentrates on poses and breathing techniques to enhance your diving experience. This is an ideal way to prepare both you mind and body for your dive.  

Whatever option you choose, we hope that you find your peace both above and below the water.

Diver staring out to sea

It´s time to get wet again!

It´s time to get wet again!

You didn’t dived for a while? Oceans 5 will help you to brush your diving skills with a PADI Scuba Review at the Gili Islands in Indonesia

Oceans 5: the First DDI Instructor Training center in Indonesia

Oceans 5: the First DDI Instructor Training center in Indonesia

PADI IDC Center Oceans 5 is the FIRST DDI Instructor Training Center in Indonesia

New EFR Instructor Trainers at the Gili Islands

New EFR Instructor Trainers at the Gili Islands

Ever feel like you’re not in control of your diet? Maybe you don’t know what healthy foods to eat, what to pair with what, or maybe you just have a hard time with self-control. Either way, we’ve all been there! Most people, in some way, have struggled with their relationship with food and the use of food. Whether it’s using it as a way to cope with stress, to suppress emotions, or to control your body when you’ve lost control in all other aspects of your life – creating a positive relationship with food is vital to prevent the onset of many chronic diseases and living a long, healthy life for years to come.

So, since March is National Nutrition Month, we decided – what better way to celebrate and spread awareness around the importance of nutrition than now? We’ll be giving you some tips you can start implementing in your daily lives, ways to achieve your goals, and how you can start incorporating healthy habits with food, today. Learn more about liv pure.

Food is a means to nourish your body so you can live a long, healthy life and use your body the way it was designed. Adopt a healthy relationship with food with these 10 tips!

Tip #1: Eat Breakfast

We know what you’re thinking, “Wow, this is the first tip? I already know that…” But, are you starting your morning off with a healthy breakfast? While sugary cereal or biscuits from McDonald’s in the morning may “act” as breakfast, your body’s first meal of the day needs a powerful and healthy kickstart. It’s important that your breakfast includes lean protein, whole grains, and a combination of both fruits and vegetables! Maybe try some scrambled eggs with turkey bacon and a piece of whole-grain toast. If you’re not an egg lover, try some low-fat plain yogurt with whole-grain cereal (or granola) and some fruit.

Tip #2: Keep Those Tempting Foods Out of Your House

We’ve all done it… Maybe we’ve had too many cookies, pop tarts, or Doritos living in the house. How can you not eat them? They’re right there! The key here is self-control, but if you can’t practice self-control for certain types of foods in your home, then it’s important to leave them at the grocery store and only eat them when you go out to lunch or dinner. This goes for sugary beverages as well!

Tip #3: Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Veggies

Adding some natural color to your diet can only aid in positive benefits. Of course, except in situations where you may be allergic. If that’s the case, stay clear of the lemons! But in other cases, fruits and vegetables add an abundance of color to your diet and include things like fiber, vitamins and minerals, and even flavor. Start incorporating 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of veggies in your diet, daily. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned (just watch the sugar in canned).

Tip #4: There’s a Difference Between a Snack and a Treat

Remember what we said earlier? “Food is a means to nourish your body” and that’s no different with snacks. A snack is meant to help your body sustain hunger and energy from one meal to the next. They can be eaten throughout the day between meals, whereas treats should be viewed as more of a reward. While it might be easier to grab a few powered donuts because well…they’re right in front of you, choosing a healthy snack is crucial to keeping you full and nourished longer. Instead of the donuts, or whatever your typical go-to unhealthy snack is, try replacing them with some of these!

  • A handful of nuts and low-fat string cheese
  • Hard-boiled eggs and fruit
  • Plain Greek yogurt. (it can be extra tasty if you add some fruit in your yogurt)
  • Peanut butter (or nut butter) and an apple
  • Raw veggies and cottage cheese or hummus

Tip #5: Watch Your Portion Sizes

It’s time to get out those measuring cups (you can even use your hands!) and see how close your portion sizes are to the recommended serving sizes listed on the Nutrition Facts label. Have you been going a little over?… That’s okay! It’s never too late to start correcting unhealthy eating habits. Start measuring your food to get an idea of what a healthy portion should look like. Once you got it down, just remember that half of your plate should consist of fruits and veggies, and the other half should be 25% lean protein and 25% grains. You can even add a serving size of fat-free or low-fat dairy to complete the meal!

10-Healthy-Tips-for-National-Nutrition-Month_

Tip #6: Eat Seafood 2 Times a Week

Seafood is a great source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and has huge impacts on your cardiovascular health, according to the American Heart Association. Eating one serving (3 ½ ounces or ¾ cup) of non-fried fish at least twice a week can help prevent heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and several other life-threatening heart illnesses. It’s important to choose a fish, or shellfish, that’s high in Omega-3s and low in mercury – like salmon, trout, oysters, or sardines. Eating just one serving of healthy fish every week will aid in better cardiovascular health than eating none at all. This is also a great substitute for those regular high saturated fatty meals. If you don’t know where to start with cooking fish, try a different recipe each week until you find one you like!

Tip #7: Drink Water and then Drink Some More

Hydration plays a massive role in your body and skin. Drinks with added sugars, like sodas or fruit juices, just contribute to wasted calories and little to no nutritional value. In fact, some sugary beverages can do more harm than they can good. The key to knowing if you’re drinking enough water throughout the day is to make sure your urine is light in color to clear. If your urine is yellow, especially dark yellow, then your body is lacking hydration. Instead of grabbing another Diet Coke (we know…it just tastes so good), quench your thirst with water and give your body what it needs. Don’t know how much water to drink? Try the 8×8 rule (8 glasses x 8 ounces of water a day = a minimum of 64 ounces a day).

Tip #8: Get Physically Active

Getting enough physical activity has numerous health benefits your body needs. If you’re not one to exercise, just start with 10 minutes each day! Eventually, you can build up your stamina to reach 2 hours and 30 minutes each week, which is recommended by the American Heart Association. Maybe try going for a walk around the neighborhood after dinner, playing a game of catch in the yard, or dusting off that bike of yours and going for a short ride. Whatever exercises you can start doing, make an effort to try something today!

Tip #9: Practice Mindful Eating

Listening to your body when you are hungry is super important. It’s also important to stop eating when your body is full. Maybe you’re guilty of sometimes eating when you’re bored, sad, or stressed – but these are unhealthy eating patterns and can lead to serious health issues, as well as an unhealthy relationship with food. Practice mindful eating by sitting down to eat your food instead of eating in a rush. Turn off the TV, put down the phone and electronics, and just focus on the food that is in front of you.