Hey friends,
Wow, can you believe it's already August? London's weather has been so gloomy with lots of clouds and rain, what a strange summer! But it's okay because I'm having fun revamping on my website, and this bad weather is actually helping me focus, so I'm making great progress. Can't wait to reveal it to you, hopefully within the next two weeks!
♥️ Insights from this week
☀️ Are you getting enough vitamin D?
To me, summer is all about replenishing this essential nutrient that is vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin. It seems that this year will be a complete write-off though, and I suspect many of you might find yourselves in a similar situation. So, don't hesitate to start supplementing with vitamin D - ideally with a combination of vitamin D3 and K2.
It's important to stress that while using SPF protection (sun cream) shields your skin from harmful rays, it also hinders the production of vitamin D. That's because vitamin D is synthesised in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from sunlight. That's why even a sunny country like Australia has seen an alarming increase in rickets, the disease caused by vitamin D deficiency. Hence, it's crucial to strike a balance in your sun exposure and sun cream usage.
Moreover, the eyes play a crucial role in signaling the skin about the presence of UVB rays, which triggers the production of vitamin D. Wearing sunglasses can interfere with this signalling process, potentially leading to lower vitamin D production. So, it's important to find a balance between wearing protective eyewear when necessary and using sunglasses for fashion purposes.
🏥 Have you heard of frozen shoulder?
Luckily, I'm now in the third and final stage of frozen shoulder, also called thawing stage. The pain has significantly reduced, and I'm slowly regaining better range of movement in my shoulder. I'm delighted to have reached this stage a few months after this condition started and without the help of any medication.
After sharing my experience in a previous newsletter and on social media, I discovered that having a frozen shoulder is remarkably common; even my mother had experienced it. I learned that it occurs when the flexible tissue surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the capsule, becomes inflamed and thickened. Although the exact cause of this phenomenon is not entirely understood, it can manifest in one or both shoulders and may recur. If it can arise without any apparent trigger, certain factors can increase the risk of developing a frozen shoulder, such as a previous shoulder injury or surgery, diabetes or a thyroid issue, Dupuytren's contracture (a condition affecting the hands and fingers), and other health conditions like heart disease or stroke.
😎 The Importance of Taking Time Off
Taking time off during the summer provides a unique opportunity to make lasting memories, meet new people, create new experiences, and enjoy the benefits of warmer weather and outdoor activities. Whether it's a relaxing staycation or an exciting vacation, summer breaks offer a chance to unwind, explore, and make the most of the season's positive and invigorating vibes. I sincerely hope that you have already managed to secure some time off or are planning to do so soon. If that's the case, I'd love to hear about your destination, whether it's a staycation or a trip abroad.
Wishing you all a fantastic weekend, and I'll catch up with you next week.
Severine
✍️ Quote of the Week
"August is like the Sunday of summer." - Unknown