Your happy, healthy guide to August: What to eat, see and do this month
I know, I know: It feels like Brat Summer is just getting started. But all those back-to-school displays everywhere suggest that the days of ice pops, pool floats and sneaking out of work early on a Friday to watch Twisters are coming to an end. The good news is that there’s still a lot of joy to squeeze out of this month, from thrilling sports events (Olympics, Paralympics and the U.S. Open) to fabulous food holidays. And since old habits die hard, maybe that look-sharp-for-teacher energy can inspire you to bring back your own A game when it comes to any life goals you’ve let slip over the summer. Here’s how to get started …
???♀? Relax, buddy. Aug. 15 is International Relaxation Day. Do you get the day off? No. Should you take the day off? Maybe. Either way, make it a goal to squeeze in some R&R — whether that means booking an after-work massage, eating lunch outside instead of while answering emails at your desk or putting off household chores and just chilling at home with a movie.
?? Roll up your sleeve. COVID-19, flu, RSV, MMR, Tdap …. There are a lot of shots out there, and you might not remember which ones you’ve had, when you had them and how long they’re effective (in the case of Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis, for example, adults should get a booster about every 10 years). With August being National Immunization Awareness Month, take a moment to look into your health records and talk to your primary care physician about any overdue (or overlooked) shots you might need.
??? Add zucchini to your plate. Believe it or not, National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day is a thing, and it falls on Aug. 8. The idea behind it is that gardeners will have so much of this plentiful produce, they’ll need to share just to get rid of it all. The good news is that you don’t need a green thumb (or a neighbor you actually know) to participate. Whether it comes from the garden or the grocery store, zucchini is a nutrient-rich summer squash that’s great for your diet (and digestion, thanks to its water and fiber content). If you’re still reeling from the zoodles craze of the early 2010s, fear not: Zucchinis are great simply sliced and roasted with a little olive (or avocado) oil, salt and pepper, or you can fire up the grill for hearty zucchini boats topped with panko breadcrumbs and goat cheese.
? Tee up. It's National Golf Month! If you've never hit the greens (or your local putt-putt place), you're missing out on a lot of health perks inside and out. Here are some tips to get you started, inspired by Scottie Scheffler's recent gold medal-winning performance at the Paris Olympics.
?? Catch that back-to-school spirit. Class will soon be back in session for a lot of kids. And while your own school days may be a distant memory, there’s something appealing about using this time to refocus and reenergize after (let’s be honest) some summer slacking. What are your goals for the rest of the year? Is there a new skill you want to learn, or some project you’re ready to tackle? Treat yourself to a new journal (and maybe some No. 2 pencils?) and write it out.
?? Get shucking — safely. If you’ve got a hankering for bivalves, you’re in luck: Aug. 5 is National Oyster Day, But while oysters have a lot to recommend them — they’re a great source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids — they can also trigger a foodborne illness when consumed raw. Want to slurp safely? Experts recommend ordering oysters from trusted vendors and restaurants, shucking only those with intact shells and considering cooked alternatives (oyster stew, anyone?), particularly if you’re immunocompromised.
???? Be a breastfeeding ally. August is National Breastfeeding Month, and here’s why you should care even if you don’t have a baby (or breasts): While people may debate the virtues of formula, “fed is best” and breastfeeding, we can all agree that moms shouldn’t have such a hard time trying to feed their hungry kids. How can you help? Advocate for your workplace to have clean, private facilities for breastfeeding and pumping. Cover for your nursing co-worker, friend, etc. if they need a break to pump in peace. Keep your unsolicited advice on weaning to yourself. And for goodness sake, don’t mom-shame, gawk or flinch when you see someone breastfeeding in public.
?? Have a peach. Those ‘90s rockers Presidents of the United States of America had the right idea: “If I had my little way, I’d eat peaches every day.” If you can only pick one day, however, make it Aug. 22, aka “Eat a Peach Day.” Sure, peaches taste great, but they’re healthy too — helping with digestion, eye health, your daily vitamin C intake and more. You can’t go wrong with a fresh, juicy peach fresh from the market, but if you want to whip up something extra special, recipe inspo (peach and arugula salad, perhaps?) awaits here.
?? Watch out for COVID. Unfortunately, COVID-19 does not seem to have taken any time off this summer. Cases are rising, and every day seems to bring a new text from a friend who’s just tested positive after coming back from vacation or some summer get-together. If it feels like the walls are closing in, consider heeding experts’ advice on masking and other ways to protect yourself.
?? Eat outside. Did you know that there’s an entire day devoted to feasting in the fresh air? On Aug. 31, grab a picnic blanket, wipe down the patio furniture or book an alfresco table at your favorite restaurant. Research has found that there are mental and physical benefits associated with eating outdoors, making diners feel more relaxed and more likely to make healthier food choices.
? Have a cup of joe: Rejoice, java enthusiasts: August is National Coffee Month! And if you’re feeling guilty about your daily caffeine kick, stop. In moderation — as in, not a constant stream of cold brew that’s keeping you up all night and maybe not that mocha latte with extra whipped cream and sprinkles — coffee is actually pretty good for you. It keeps your mind sharp, helps prevent a number of diseases, including certain cancers and type 2 diabetes, and is packed with antioxidants. We’ll raise a mug to that. (For the record, the Food and Drug Administration recommends no more than 400 mg of caffeine a day, though some people may have greater sensitivity to the stimulant and therefore should have less.)
?? Make a racket. If Challengers and the recent tenniscore craze didn’t make you fall in love with tennis, maybe the U.S. Open, which kicks off on Aug. 26, will? If you’re looking to get a heart-pumping workout that’ll build muscle and promote bone health, consider picking up a racket yourself (and follow these expert tips to avoid getting injured in the process). Your pickleball pals will understand.
?? Consider adding Narcan to your first aid kit. Maybe it’s unthinkable that you or a loved one might ever have a drug overdose — but they do happen, and so do (often fatal) accidental exposures to fentanyl. Last year Narcan — the brand-name nasal spray form of naloxone, which rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose — became available over the counter. Experts say it could save a life in the event of an emergency, and schools, public libraries and select airlines are among those keeping it in stock. With International Overdose Awareness Day falling on Aug. 31, it’s worth considering swinging by your local pharmacy or grocery store and adding it to your first aid kit.
