Health and Wellness

Trying to get in shape for that upcoming class reunion, your wedding day, or a beach vacation? Well you can find out how here! We have made it easy for you to find a pilates class, yoga, martial arts as well as fitness centers, personal trainers, and much more! You can also find a list of local nutritionists and pharmacies. This page contains everything you need to know to meet your health and wellness needs living in San Diego.

Health and Wellness Articles

Health and Wellness Tips

Keep Blissfully Bronze ... Not Red!

At the farthest southwestern tip of California, San Diego gets some very strong sunrays. For sun worshippers, San Diego is an ideal place to soak up the rays year round, achieve that healthy glow ...or mistakenly end up with a nasty sunburn. Whether you have a fair or dark complexion, you are always at risk from sun exposure. Finding the best protection is essential to safeguarding yourself from the sun.

Luckily, because of increasing awareness of harmful UVA rays and the broad spectrum of sun protection out there, it's easier than ever to find that perfect sunscreen to shield you from the sun. A sunblock with an SPF between 35 to 55 and UVA protection as well as antioxidants is generally most effective. Some sunblocks even have tinted moisturizers! If you must get out in the sun, reduce your exposure by setting out when the sun is low on the horizon. So get up early in the morning to walk the dog or take a late afternoon jog and still reap the benefits of San Diego's gorgeous weather.

Going for a Hike? Stay Clear of These Poisonous Creatures!

You may think that San Diego's most poisonous creatures reside in the depths of the ocean, like those awful stingray and jellyfish attacks; however, some the most poisonous creatures lurk in your neighborhood, residing in the mountainous terrain or even in your backyard. Next time you take a hike through Torrey Pines State Reserve or Cowles Mountain, or just explore your neighborhood, watch out for the dangerous ones - rattlesnakes, and Black and Brown Widow spiders.

Fortunately (or not really, if you run into one), rattlesnakes tend to be very shy creatures and only attack when provoked. If you are stricken by a rattlesnake, or any snake for that matter, first call 911. Then, look at the puncture marks. If there are two marks and you feel a stinging sensation, you may have been bitten by a rattlesnake.

The Black Widow is native to San Diego; its cousin, the Brown Widow, although not native, has been increasingly growing in population by the thousands since 2000 and also resides in residential areas inland and near the ocean. The Black and Brown Widow spiders release poisonous venoms with neurotoxins and are most harmful to children under 6, and older adults with weaker immune systems. If bitten, you will feel an intense burning sensation, which may cause muscle spasms, nausea and an increased heartbeat. To treat or rid any type of poisonous critters in San Diego County, call the California Poison Action Line at 1-800-222-1222.

Looking to Release Tension in Your Body AND Mind?

Yoga and Pilates are two forms of exercise that have become hugely popular in San Diego. Replacing high-intensity aerobic workouts, these alternate forms of exercise will challenge your mind and body:

Yoga:

One of the main focuses of yoga is to unite the mind, body and spirit. It is considered a therapeutic exercise that focuses on the alignment of your body and breathing patterns. This method trains your body for maximum flexibility and helps ease your mind of stress. In yoga, you use your body's weight for resistance and focus on steady movements between postures. The overall result is a happier, peaceful and healthier sense of mind and body. San Diego offers several types of yoga:

Iyenger Yoga: Developed by yoga master B.K.S Iyenger, this type of yoga emphasizes alignment and uses yoga props such as blankets, blocks, straps, pillows, chairs, and bolsters.

Bikram/Hot Yoga: This is a series of poses performed in a 95- to 100-degree heated room. This exercise allows you to vigorously sweat, releasing many toxins from your body, which increases your flexibility. It is best not eat right before this class, but drink lots of water and always have a towel with you!

Ashtanga Yoga: Ashtanga, which means "eight limbs," is an intensely fast-paced style of yoga. In a session, you go through a series of poses in the same order. It can be very physically demanding, but your movements will improve with continued practice.

Jivamukti Yoga: This modern-style yoga places special emphasis on incorporating yoga philosophies into your daily life. Each session uses chanting, meditation and music to go along with the Vinyasa-style poses.

Power Yoga: Power yoga is similar to Ashtanga but does not follow a series of specific poses. Each session uses different poses that focus on strength and flexibility for a high-intensity workout.

Vinyasa Yoga: This style is used in many different yoga classes and follows a set of poses in conjunction with your breathing. If you've ever heard of these common yoga postures - Sun Salutation, Plank, Chaturanga and Upward Facing Dog - then you've just heard a Vinyasa sequence!

Pilates:

Pilates works the whole body with an emphasis on control and concentration of the mind and body. The emphasis is put on strengthening your abdominals, improving posture, and stabilizing and lengthening the spine. Unlike yoga, it does not go through a repeated series of postures, but instead focuses on quality, not quantity. Pilates is an ideal exercise for injuries and rehabilitation. It will center and stabilize your entire body and mind. There are tons of gyms and studios all over San Diego County that offer Pilates classes. Find one that best suits your body's needs!

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