Author: West End Healthline

With the wet conditions this summer the mosquitoes have now come out in full force! While the little pests can transmit troublesome viral illnesses, the most common result here in Minnesota is an annoying bug bite that is itchy and irritating. Treatment for these itchy bug bites can include ice and over the counter anti-itch creams such as hydrocortisone. What is better than treatment, however, is taking steps to avoid getting bitten by these insects!

Summer is here and the days are long. Now is the time to enjoy the outdoors and go for walks, play sports, meet up with friends or whatever other activities you enjoy. It is always tempting to just throw on shorts and a T-shirt and go outside. Before you go outside, however, there are several items to consider to protect your skin and eyes while enjoying this beautiful weather. This is important to not only preventing painful sunburn, but also more serious future health problems. Here are some tricks to keeping your skin healthy:

As the seasons shift and the chill of winter gives way to the warmth of spring, there’s a sense of renewal in the air. With the sun shining bright and nature coming back to life, what better time to get back to that exercise routine, or to continue your current one, by taking it outdoors. Embracing exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle and outdoor workouts not only offer a refreshing change of scenery, but also bring health benefits for both the body and mind. 

The practice of saunaing has been getting increasingly popular with claims of health benefits including pain reduction, weight loss, heart benefits and improved sleep. Let’s embark on a journey through the history of this multi-cultural tradition and the most recent research to find out if the benefits of sauna bathing are rock solid or just a bunch of hot air.  

West End Healthline By Matthew Burgstahler, MD  Being a transplant to Minnesota, I have heard the strangest sayings about the