Healthy Living

It’s official. We are now in summer. Whether you live in Newton or surrounding towns, or you are a visitor from afar, there are a lot of fun activities that you can do in Newton during the summer. Here are some ideas: Visit Newton’s Parks and Conservation Areas: Explore Cold Spring Park, Hemlock Gorge Reservation, and Crystal Lake. Take a walk, have a picnic, or enjoy the nature trails and  playgrounds . Remember to use sunscreens and insect repellents available from  community pharmacies  like  Keyes Drug in Auburndale . Attend Free Summer Concerts: The  Newton Centre Bowl  comes alive with music and dancing for six weeks this summer in the open space adjacent to the playground and just down the hill from the Tyler Terrace hut. With free open-air seating, there is plenty of room for families, friends. Bring along a blanket, a chair, a picnic dinner, and enjoy diverse musical styles in these summer performances in the park. Explore the  Newton Free Lib...

With a little imagination and a couple of  picnic benches , your backyard can be the main venue for your some of your summertime activities. Being home with family can turn out to be one of the best things to come out of the pandemic, so much so that you found you really like spending time together. Here are some ideas for outdoor dining in your very own backyard. 1. Throwing Shade Can Be a Good Thing With summertime around the corner, the sun will be shining its toasty rays down upon you very soon. Fun in the sun is good, but alternate time soaking up that vitamin D with some relaxing and rehydrating in the shade.  Shelter from the heat  can include an oversized umbrella, a gazebo, or an awning over your patio. 2. Time to Refill the Propane When you make the list for your outdoor dining necessities, put a  propane tank or cylinder  near the top. It is one of the most cost effective and clean ways to cook. Propane comes in handy not only for grilling but for fir...

As you head outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray, clinicians urge RACHEL COPPOLA  |  COVERAGE , NEWS SERVICE OF BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS As summer vacation season kicks off, taking commonsense precautions to avoid sun, heat and insect-borne illnesses can help ensure a fun and safe season. Follow these summer safety tips: Stay sun safe Apply  sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30  and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection on all exposed skin, and reapply it every two hours regardless of SPF rating or more if you are swimming or sweating. “Consider a mineral-based sunscreen instead of a chemical-based one because it reflects UV rays away from the skin, and make putting it on part of your everyday routine like eating breakfast and brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Ashley Yeats, a family physician and VP of medical operations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Wear sunglasses, a broadbrimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt or clothing with bu...

With 23 unique neighborhoods, Boston offers endless moments of discovery and excitement for you and your friends and family to explore and enjoy. Whether you live in the city or are visiting during summer vacation, you’ll never be bored. In fact, the choices can be overwhelming so we are here to give you a few good ideas to start the summer. Break out the walking shoes and sunscreen!   Enjoy the Water Nothing’s better than being by the water on a sizzling summer day. Enjoy the sea in Boston by taking a ferry ride or grabbing a spot on a Boston harbor cruise. Many visitors and locals enjoy taking a quick ferry ride over to Spectacle Island. There are plenty of hiking and swimming opportunities for everyone! If you’d rather just relax on the water, lounge on a cruise around the Boston harbor. Grab some  motion sickness medicine  from your local pharmacy if you tend to get seasick. Soak up the Sun Is being near the water not your cup of tea? Don’t worry. There’s still plenty...