BeachyKeen

With the onset of summer, we’ve been surprised to find that our two young boys seem more willing to don their heavy coats, hats and mittens to fend off winter cold than apply light dabs of sunscreen for sun protection. Finding tricky ways to quickly apply protective sunscreen has been a challenge, but a vital one, as these 2 and 4-year-olds love to run and play in the sun all day.

The idea is to instill the habit of wearing sunscreen and protective clothing as part of the whole family’s daily summer routine, just as we model making time for a healthy diet, relaxation and sleep. After all, skin is our body’s largest organ, and making consistently smart natural skin care choices sets us all on the road to maintaining "Timeless Beauty", as Stacey Colino shares on page 20. It’s comforting to know that beautiful skin emanates from the state of our inner being. Lifestyles choices make a difference in how our skin ages.

Our own generation’s carefree youth happened long before everyday vocabularies included concepts like SPF, sunscreen and anti-aging. For all of us who have indulged in more ultraviolet (UV) rays than we like to admit in pursuing a bronzed look for bikini season, it’s good to know that we can now turn to new non-invasive alternatives to repair and renew our skin. Natural Awakenings has a glossary of today’s natural treatments in "High-Tech Skincare" on page 16.

Men who are beginning to think more about skin care will want to check out "Face of Change" on page 23. Learn why more men are ditching the soap and traditional shaving cream.

Everyone can benefit from a body wrap detox (page 14). You can do it yourself or visit one of our advertisers in this Body Care issue for professional care by a local professional or licensed esthetician. Then top that newly radiant skin with fabulous hair. See Monika Rice’s top ten nutrients to revitalize your hair in "Radiant Tresses" (page 27).

Speaking of confident beauty from the inside out, raising a teenage girl to feel good about her unique body isn’t easy when most women’s magazine covers portray stick thin as normal. Phyllis Ring offers hope and holistic healing for those suffering eating disorders in "Starving for Perfection" (page 24). We would all do well to avoid the body-image trap.

Summer looks, smells, sounds, tastes and feels so richly of what it is—a time of restoration and replenishment. Ready for a romantic picnic or a family day at the park or beach? Make that special outing eco-friendly with Crissy Trask’s tips in "Green-up Your Picnic" on page 26. Whatever fun activity you decide on, whether it’s taking Time Out (page 14) or taking the dog for a swim (page 29), enjoy the sunshine while it lasts. And make lasting choices for yourself and the environment along the way.

See ya at the beach!

Sara and Bill Peterson