Planning a wedding and reception can be stressful. Who sits where at the reception? How much will catering cost? Will the wedding dress fit? How much will the wedding hall cost to book? No matter what wedding decisions must be made, your health should also be taken care of. Here are some healthy wedding planning tips. (Source: CDC’s “Safe and healthy wedding,” CDC’s “Health benefits of pets”)
Be careful with dye, relaxer, shampoo and conditioning products. Don’t try anything too drastic too close to your wedding. Make sure that whatever hairstyle products you plan to use on your wedding day don’t influence your health. For example, the Brazilian blowout has recently been in the news for causing odor irritation, burning eyes and nausea. (Andrew A. Nelles/For the Chicago Tribune)
Getting enough sleep is not only important for being alert for planning, meetings and looking great on your wedding day, resting well can also help you avoid chronic diseases and injuries. (Bill Hogan/Chicago Tribune)
If you’re planning on going out of town before or during your wedding, make sure to follow these safety travel tips. Remember to get your 2.5 hours of weekly exercise, too, and bring these workout travel items that won’t require extra luggage costs. (Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
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A pet being a pet, especially a dog, has a natural way of calming people so take advantage of the love. According to CDC, pets can decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and any feelings of loneliness. Feeling overwhelmed? Take your dog for a walk or sit on your porch and just pet it. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)
Quitting smoking is easier said than done, but if there’s ever a time to quit or slow down, this is one of the best times to do so. Approximately 178,000 women in the U.S. are killed from cigarette use. The leading cigarette-related deaths include lung cancer, heart disease and chronic lung disease. Women who smoke are also more likely to get cancers in their oral cavity, pharynx, larynx (voice box), esophagus, pancreas, kidney, bladder and uterine cervix. (Chuck Berman/Chicago Tribune)
Healthy, balanced meals are a must. Keep dried fruits and nuts in your car to avoid constant fast food purchases while wedding planning. If you want to snack, try these snacks under 105 calories that’ll help you avoid the worry of fitting into your wedding dress. Make sure to have a healthy breakfast, lunch and dinner, too. (Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune)
Don’t skip any doctors’ visits, including the most unpleasant ones. Got a pap smear appointment? Keep it. Scheduled for a colonoscopy or colposcopy? Handle it. Make sure to get any routine check-ups, too, and if you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t assume it’s because of your wedding. Mention it to your doctor just in case. (Charles Osgood/Chicago Tribune)