That's Fit

It's summertime. We all want to be outside as much as we can, because before you know it, the days will be short and the ground will be covered with snow.

While getting about 20 minutes of sun each day is important for our vitamin D levels, too much sun can lead to painful burns and risks of skin cancer. One simple -- and fashionable -- way to protect yourself is by wearing a hat.

Healthy Hats is a great place to start shopping for the perfect sun protection. Besides offering lifeguard hats and adventurer hats (think safari), they've got sun smart tips to help you enjoy the sun safely.

SELF magazine and Neutrogena are teaming up to spread the word about summer skin care. Choose from four e-card designs and send messages about sun safety to your friends and family. They're keeping a state-by-state tally of how many e-cards were sent -- more cards equals more donated money for skin cancer charities.

Stay in the shade when possible, but even when the day seems overcast, don't forget your sunscreen. Remember to wear sunglasses that block UV-A and UV-B rays as well. Wide-brimmed hats and clothing that protects your skin are also good options. Check out the gallery for more summer sun safety tips.

I know that winter is coming to a close -- perhaps more rapidly in some areas than others -- but I know that for me, the weather extremes that occur at the end of winter tend to cause absolute havoc with my hair. I don't know if it's the return of the sun, the sudden, massive snowstorms, the wind or perhaps a combination of all of the above and more, but the months of February though April tend to bring fly-aways, split-ends and, of course, hat head on the colder days.

So what can all of us who suffer through the horrors of winter hair do to ease our suffering? Apparently there are a number of pretty simple ways to tame static, prevent flakes caused by dryness and maintain shine despite the crazy weather. Check out the tips listed here for ideas on how to keep you hair looking luscious, even in the waning days of winter.

Once again, I have entered the exciting world of bangs. And, 22 hours out of the day, I'm thrilled. However, when it comes time to work up a sweat, my hair happiness begins to wane. I cannot stand having hair in my eyes when I work out. Not a chunk, not a strand -- it's distracting and it just won't do.

My hair has been a variety of lengths throughout the years, and with each style I find a new way to keep it out of my eyes and off my neck. This gallery will give you some tips on doing the same!

A team of researchers are showing off a crazy gadget which they claim may be the answer to curbing Alzheimer's disease. It's a hat, but looks more like a big black helmet. The contraption uses infrared light to allegedly stop and heal the mental decline.

If you think this sounds like some far-fetched invention of Doc Brown from Back to the Future, you aren't the only one. Experts say the chances of this actually benefiting anyone are pretty remote. But skeptics aren't getting these guys down. Human trials are set for the summer, so we're going to know sooner than later if it actually works.

The foundation for this technology actually helping Alzheimer's patients is a little shaky. It goes back to lab rats (no surprise there). Ten out of 30 rats were labeled as having a comparable mental decline not unlike our own elderly. After getting a dose of infrared radiation, they performed better at mazes. This seems like a loose connection, but we'll know soon whether they were on to something! Even though this is somewhat improbable, wouldn't it be nice for patients to simply don an Alzheimer's hat?

A couple of weeks ago, I told you about how to dress for outdoor winter activities with a series of carefully planned layers. But I didn't include any specific product recommendations. Lucky for you, then, that Prevention Magazine recently compiled a list of the best cold-weather clothing items to keep you warm and dry when you're sweating up a storm in the chilly winter air.

Some items that made the list?

• Merrell Dash Jacket, $230
• Isis Whisper Hoodie Vest, $145
• Smartwool Fair Isle Hat, $33

What's your all-time favourite piece of winter clothing? For me, it's the mittens, toque and scarf that various family members have knitted me -- I wear them all the time.

No matter who you pack a lunch for, plan for it to be healthy, tasty and interesting. I just read a neat little article in my local newspaper,written by Antonia Robinson, which had tons of great tips Thought you'd enjoy some of hers and some of mine. Bon apetit!

• Include items from each food group.
• Don't pack the same flavors each day.
• Pick colorful, crunchy and tasty foods.
• Include food the child likes.
• Pack most of the lunch the night before.
• Dinner leftovers also make a good lunch.
• Use a thermos for hot foods and cold packs for cold foods.
• Avoid sodas and juices.
• Make sure you include fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Think outside the box! Pack sushi, veggie lasagna, or rotisserie chicken.
• Some soups taste great at room temp. if a microwave is not available. Give em a shot!
• Cold or wet items will cause a paper bag to rip. Go for plastic or use an official insulated lunch box/bag.
• Freeze a water bottle the night before and put it in your lunch box. It will keep other things cool and melt just enough so it's perfectly chilled and drinkable by lunch time.
• Include a sweet note or some stickers to add some fun to the meal.