Spring is in the air in Fairbanks! The birds are chirping. The sun is higher in the sky. Boots are muddy from breakup and people are beginning to spring clean their houses. But, home may not be the only thing that could use a good “spring cleaning.”

Your health habits may still be playing catch-up from the holiday cookies and a long winter. Here are 7 simple tips to help reset your health for the spring and summer months!

Get outdoors. Fresh air, sunshine and vitamin D. The great outdoors might be just what you need! Increase your vitamin D levels and improve your body’s ability for strong bone and cell growth.

De-clutter your medicine cabinet. In the spirit of spring cleaning, go through and throw away old medications and expired vitamins. Keeping old pills around is just creating clutter and may be dangerous if you mistake a medication in the future. Remember to safely discard certain medications, especially painkillers, as those can be dangerous if they end up in the hands of children or adolescents.   Citizens can bring their unused prescription medication and drop it into the MedSafe located in the lobby of the Fairbanks Police Department, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Throw out old cosmetics and body creams. Yes, cosmetics do have expiration dates. If you can’t remember when you purchased the product or if you notice any changes in your makeup or a separation of ingredients, these are good signs that you should toss the soiled toiletries and start new.

Wash all the fabrics in your home. Over the winter, fabrics in the home collect dust, dander and other allergens. Wash throw pillows, blankets, mattress protectors, etc. with hot water to rid them of potential irritants. Also, be sure to change the air filters frequently to ensure fresh air is flowing throughout your home.

Check expiration dates on sunscreen and replenish your supply. During the short Fairbanks summer, the beach and the pool chair call our names! Though the warmth of full sun and the appearance of tan skin is appealing, the sun’s ultraviolet rays damage your skin, even in Alaska. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 is clinically proven to be a sufficient amount of protection to reduce or minimize the adverse effects of sunlight. Be sure to check the expiration date on your sunscreen too!  

Schedule doctor and dentist check-ups. Now is a great time to see a doctor to make sure you’re healthy for summer activities. Ask your doctor what tests you should consider according to your age and health. It is usually easier to schedule an appointment in the summer compared with other times during the year. If you cannot wait for the next available appointment, Tanana Valley Clinic 1^st Care is available to meet your walk-in health care needs. 

Pack a first aid kit for each of your vehicles. A well-stocked first aid kit is an essential item in every home—and in every car. After all, you're just as likely to get a bump, bruise, bite, or other self-treatable injury while traveling as you are at home. There are many prepackaged kits to purchase, but it is just as easy to pack your own. We’ve included some recommendations for your kit below:

As Alaskans, we look forward to the spring and summer months, more than most. At Tanana Valley Clinic, we encourage you to take preventive steps now, to protect your health all summer long.  But, if accidents happen, as they sometimes do, Tanana Valley Clinic 1^st Care is here for you from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, seven days a week. 

Dillon, Peter, MD is the Medical Director for 1st Care Center. He is dedicated to delivering quality walk-in care keep patients healthy and thriving.