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Mental Health Awareness Month: 8 Evidation expert tips to help take care of your mind
Setting self-care goals, checking in with your doctor and mental health care provider, and setting boundaries can all work to bolster your mental health.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to fight the stigma and stereotypes that are often associated with mental health struggles. Supported by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mental Health Awareness Month is the perfect opportunity to check in with yourself on your mental well-being and create new routines that can support your mental wellness. At Evidation, our team of experts is here to provide you with easy-to-implement tips and tricks to support your mental health. Here, we'll explore some simple steps you can take to feel your best during Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond.
1. Seeking support: a sign of strength
If you're living with a mental health issue or simply going through a stressful time in life, you're not alone. Reaching out to a mental health professional is a sign of bravery and strength, and helps you get the support you need to thrive.
Know your baseline
If you've never worked with a therapist or counselor before, today is a great day to start. Even if you don't have any current pressing issues, working with a therapist can help you understand your emotional baseline and discover new ways to cope with stress.
When something feels off, don't wait
When you feel your baseline beginning to waver, it's smart to reach out for support right away. If you notice that you're not coping with emotions well, or you encounter a particularly stressful situation, make an appointment with your counselor or therapist – and don't hesitate to let them know if the situation is urgent.
2. Self-care strategies: Practical tips for stress management and well-being
Taking care of yourself is vital for your mental health, but prioritizing consistent self-care is sometimes easier said than done.
Practice setting boundaries
While it can be hard to say no to people you care about, doing so can be vital for preserving your mental health. Letting friends, family members, and coworkers know that you'd love to help with their request or attend their gathering but are unavailable takes practice, but it gets easier over time. Check out these tips on how to set boundaries with the people you care about.
Stop putting yourself last
You've heard the old adage that you can't pour from an empty cup, and it's the truth: you've got to take care of yourself in order to take care of others. If you feel like you've been overwhelmed at home, at work, or with friends, it may be time to take stock of where some responsibilities can be shared.
3. Mindfulness practices: Cultivating presence and inner peace
Proactive stress management can help you stay centered when tough issues arise. Try adding one or more of these mindfulness practices to your day to bolster your ability to handle whatever life throws your way.
Meditation
You can reap the benefits of meditation with less than five minutes of practice each day. According to meditation expert Vishen Lakhiani, "You can take a one- to three-minute dip into peacefulness, and you can see remarkable results. The biggest benefits are going to happen in the first few minutes."
Unplug
Taking time away from your phone can help you de-stress, disconnect from work, and get better sleep. While it's not often feasible to take a full day away from your phone, taking an hour or two to fully focus on friends, family, or yourself can help you feel centered.
4. Managing emotions: Strategies for emotional well-being
Meeting your feelings head-on can be tough, but doing so can save you from the effects of chronic stress. If you're used to avoiding your feelings, this can be an adjustment. Be kind to yourself if you're working on managing your emotions for the first time, and don't be afraid to ask for help from family, friends, or a mental health professional if you need it.
Check in with yourself
Many of us operate on autopilot day in and day out, moving from one part of the schedule to the next with little time to reflect. Creating a few minutes in your day to check in with yourself can be a smart way to stay on top of your emotional needs. Setting a reminder on your phone or smartwatch to take a few minutes to do breathing exercises, take a quiet moment, or write in a journal can help you get in touch with your feelings.
Practice speaking up
If you fall into patterns of people-pleasing or otherwise struggle to stick up for yourself, starting to share your feelings with others can work to validate your emotions. A simple way to get started: answer the question "how are you?" honestly when you feel comfortable. Doing so doesn't just give you the chance to express your emotions – it also gives people close to you the chance to support your needs.
5. Creating healthy habits: Incorporating wellness into daily life
Making time to practice regular healthy habits can go a long way in protecting your mental health and helping you feel your best.
Start small
There's no need for a total lifestyle overhaul – incorporating a few wellness practices into your routine may be all that you need to feel happier and healthier. Going for a 10-minute walk during your lunch break each day can give you time to enjoy some sun and quiet your mind's chatter about your work day. Adding a fruit or vegetable to two meals each day can provide you with the nutrition boost that you need to feel great. Give yourself time to establish one healthy habit before diving into another.
Check-in with your doctor
Depending on your mental and physical health, some wellness practices may carry more weight than others. Talking with your doctor can provide you with insight into what behaviors will best support your well-being. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to a mental health professional, dietitian, or other health care professional who can work with you to help support your well-being.
Set achievable, effort-centered goals
When it comes to mental health, action matters! Setting goals based on effort – rather than results – can be helpful in keeping you encouraged to work on your mental health. For example, committing to talking to a therapist twice a month for the next few months can feel much more realistic than overcoming a lifelong mental health issue in the same period of time. Setting effort-based goals can also help you realize what works well for you when it comes to your mental well-being.
6. Balancing work, life, and self-care
You already know that your workplace can affect your mental health, and it's important that you balance your time at work, at home, and at rest. It can be tough to speak up at work when your workload becomes unfair or unmanageable, but doing so can help you preserve your mental health while you work.
In order to get the support you need to thrive while balancing work, home, and self-care, try these tips.
Speak clearly about your workload
It happens all too often: you take on a position with a manageable workload, and over time, your duties begin to pile up. You find yourself working late, checking your email on weekends, and struggling to figure out how you'll complete all that's expected of you. There's a fine line between being a team player and keeping your sanity, and it's important to talk to your supervisor if you feel that your workload has crossed into dangerous territory. If you're feeling like you've been taking on too much, schedule a time to talk with your boss about solutions.
Remember, explanations aren't always necessary
If you're being asked to go above and beyond the duties of your job at work, with family, or with friends, remember: an explanation isn't always necessary. It can be tempting to bolster a "no" with reasoning, but doing so takes away your power to simply refuse a task.
Some polite ways to decline an invitation or request include:
- I wish I could make that work, but I'm afraid I'm not able to.
- Thanks, but I can't fit that into the schedule today.
- I appreciate the invitation so much, but I already have something else going on this evening.
- Thanks so much for thinking of me, but I can't add anything else to the calendar this week.
Schedule weekly self-care appointments
Life gets busy, and it's all too easy to put yourself on the back burner. Making your self-care a priority can go a long way in helping you feel your best. Self-care isn't all about getting a haircut or enjoying a dinner out with friends (even though those activities can certainly be a part of your self-care routine). Self-care is also about making time to prepare healthy foods, keeping up with regular dentist and doctor appointments, and discovering ways to feel and express your emotions.
7. Nutrition tips for optimal mental health
Just like the rest of your body, your brain requires balanced nutrition in order to maintain optimal health. While it can be easy to let healthy eating go by the wayside when things get stressful, doing so can make it tough to keep stress levels low and utilize effective coping strategies.
Some ways you can use your nutrition to support positive mental health include:
Eat regularly
When you're running from one task on your to-do list to the next, it can be easy to skip a meal, or try to run on caffeine. Some people also find it tempting to skip eating throughout the day, only to enjoy a large dinner immediately before bed. While different eating styles work for different people, it's important to pay attention to what type of eating schedule lets you feel your best. Many people find that eating regularly throughout the day allows them to maintain blood sugar homeostasis, guarding against the mood swings and energy dips that can come with serious blood sugar highs and lows.
Enjoy the rainbow
Ever find yourself stuck in a rut when it comes to the produce in your diet? You're not alone. There's nothing wrong with settling into a routine when it comes to eating well, but adding variety can serve both your physical and mental health. Foods from different color families offer different benefits. For example, red fruits and vegetables are typically high in lycopene, a nutrient that can support healthy brain function. Blue and purple fruits and vegetables contain compounds that can improve memory and brain health.
Create a weekly menu
Planning your meals in advance can help you get the variety you need in your diet, as well as relieve some of the stress that can come with figuring out what to make for dinner each night. Taking a few moments each weekend to decide what you'll be eating for the week can help make eating well exciting, and knowing what you'll need to prep for the evening can help you get through some of the chopping, slicing, and dicing in advance.
8. Sleep routine for improved mental health
Getting plenty of high-quality sleep is important for maintaining positive mental health, but getting the rest you need to thrive is sometimes easier said than done. Try these sleep-easy tips to help you feel great each morning.
Maintain a regular sleep schedule
While it can be tempting to get some extra shut-eye on the weekends, serious sleeping in can do more harm than good, according to experts. While getting an hour or so of extra sleep isn't likely to do much harm to your brain's Circadian rhythms, adjusting your sleep and wake schedules by more than an hour can throw you off for the work week ahead.
Create the right environment for rest.
Your bedroom should be an oasis of calm, and taking a few simple steps can help set the scene for a fantastic night's sleep. Making your bedroom as dark as possible, de-cluttering your space, and using a white noise machine if you live in an area where nighttime noise is unavoidable can all go a long way in helping you get the rest you need.
Cut back on caffeine
We get it – it can be rough to get through the afternoon without a caffeinated pick-me-up. Enjoying caffeine in the afternoon, however, can wreak havoc on your sleep hygiene. If you're having trouble falling and staying asleep at night, keep the caffeine to morning hours only, or consider switching to decaf altogether.
Evidation: Here to help you track habits to maintain positive mental health
At Evidation, we're here to support all aspects of your well-being, including your mental health. Take your time implementing the tips above, noting what works well for you and what doesn't. Mental health can be complicated, and there's nothing wrong with reaching out for help when you need it. If you aren't using our app yet, we're excited to help you get started. Click here to learn more about Evidation and download the app today.

Easy and healthy breakfast ideas for kids before school
Mornings are busy for parents, but taking the time to prepare a healthy breakfast for kids before school is crucial.
Dietary experts argue whether or not breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but one thing is certain: Your morning meal can have a huge impact on how the rest of your day plays out. But what about children and teens? Mornings with kids are busy, and it can be challenging to find time to serve up a home-prepared meal, but a healthy breakfast for kids before school is doubly important.
Several studies have shown that kids who eat a nutritionally balanced breakfast perform better in school. In addition to improved academic performance, the food kids eat in the morning impacts their energy levels, mood, behavior, and concentration. Research indicates a healthy breakfast also affects a child's physical health. In this article, we'll learn more about how breakfast benefits kids, along with sharing some simple breakfast ideas to make your hectic morning flow more efficiently.
The benefits of a healthy breakfast for kids
Perhaps the first thing parents think of in terms of a healthy breakfast for kids before school is how morning nutrition impacts a child's focus, memory, and concentration during the school day. You can think of a healthy breakfast as brain food for the first half of your child's day.
During the first few years of a child's life, over one million new neural connections are formed every single second of the day. As young children get older, brain growth shifts to cognitive function. As for older kids, adolescence is the time when the teen brain gets the most fine-tuning. The human brain doesn't stop maturing and developing until the mid-20s.
Overnight oats for busy mornings
When there's no time for meal prep in the morning, consider making your breakfast the night before. Overnight oats are made with basic pantry ingredients, and this is a budget-friendly breakfast option. Because they're a great source of beta-glucan fiber, oats may lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Follow this basic recipe, substituting whichever fruits, milk, and nuts you like.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats (we don't recommend instant oatmeal for this recipe)
- 2 cups milk (dairy, almond, oat, or soy)
- 1 tsp. cinnamon or other spices (vanilla, nutmeg)
- 4 Tbsp. chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) or nut butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter)
- 1 1/2 cups fruit, cut up (blueberries, peaches, apples, strawberries, or bananas)
- 4 tsp. sweetener (maple syrup, honey, monk fruit sweetener)
Directions
- Pull together 4 glass containers that will hold 2 cups of ingredients each.
- Add 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup oats, and 1/4 cup cinnamon to each container, stirring to combine the ingredients.
- Cover the containers with tight-fitting lids.
- Store overnight in the refrigerator.
- The next morning, add 1/3 cup of fruit atop the oats, along with 1-2 teaspoons of your favorite sweetener.
- Serve cold or heat your overnight oats in the microwave.
Healthy breakfast muffins
If you need healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers or older kids, muffins are simple to pull together. Muffins feel like a treat, but when you use the right ingredients, these breakfast mainstays can be quite nutritious. This basic muffin recipe can be customized with your own favorite add-ins. If you use maple syrup for this recipe, you can avoid refined sugars. Also, unlike sugar, maple syrup does have some health benefits.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (white whole wheat is OK)
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 eggs
- 3 Tbsp. coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 1 cup fruit (applesauce with cinnamon, mashed bananas, whole cranberries, diced oranges, pureed pumpkin)
Directions
- Liner a muffin pan with liners, and preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix dry ingredients in a bowl.
- Mix eggs, almond milk, maple syrup, and fruit in a bowl.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until well-mixed.
- Add the melted coconut oil to the mixture and stir again.
- Fill the muffin cups 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes.
Yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit
Protein is important for young minds, so starting the school day with some protein-rich yogurt is the best way to give your kiddos a solid start for the day. Yogurt is also rich in calcium, which is essential for bone health.
With Greek yogurt, you also get vitamin A, riboflavin, selenium, and B vitamins. For lots of beneficial antioxidants, add some juicy berries to your yogurt parfait. And the granola in this parfait will provide plenty of fiber and extra protein, so your kids will feel fuller for longer. Follow this recipe, and substitute your own favorite pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 2 cups plain or flavored Greek yogurt
- 3 cups fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, blackberries, peaches)
- 2 cups granola
Directions
- In glass containers, spoon about 1/4 cup of the Greek yogurt.
- Add 1/4 cup of the granola on top of the yogurt.
- On top of the granola, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of fruit.
These yogurt parfaits can be prepared the night before.
Quick and nutritious smoothie recipes
Smoothies are quick and easy, and kids love them. You can pull your ingredients together the night before and blend them up in the morning to save even more time in the busy early hours of the day. Start with your base of plant-based or dairy milk, coconut water or fruit juice, and fruit. Then, add extra ingredients your kids enjoy. Any of these smoothies will give your kids a tasty head start.
- Banana berry smoothie: Use frozen bananas and your choice of berries.
- Pineapple mango smoothie: Frozen or canned pineapple pairs nicely with frozen mango chunks.
- Nut butter banana smoothie: Give your kids a jolt of protein with a creamy smoothie made with frozen bananas and their favorite nut butter.
- Spinach avocado smoothie: Blend chunks of avocado and fresh spinach leaves with bananas and unsweetened plant-based milk.
Egg-based breakfast ideas
Eggs are one of the purest protein sources you can find, and there are so many delicious ways to prepare a hearty breakfast with them. You can't go wrong with any of these classics.
- Veggie egg scramble: Scramble eggs with vegetables.
- Omelet: Make a classic omelet, or create a western-style omelet loaded with vegetables and topped with salsa.
- Poached eggs on toast: Add a poached egg to a slice of whole-grain toast for a breakfast rich in fiber and protein.
- Breakfast burrito: Fill whole wheat tortillas with scrambled eggs, cooked diced potatoes, and diced turkey bacon for southwestern flavor.
Incorporating fruits and vegetables
The recipes we share above for muffins, yogurt parfait, and overnight oats will give you lots of ideas for incorporating fruit into a healthy breakfast. But what about getting some nutrient-rich veggies into your kids for a morning meal? Consider any of these ideas to add vegetables to your morning meal rotation.
- Breakfast burrito: Stuff a whole wheat tortilla with black beans, sauteed onions and bell peppers, spinach, and scrambled eggs.
- Veggie smoothie: Opt for a vegetable smoothie instead of a fruit smoothie. Add leafy greens like spinach and kale, or get creative with ingredients like cauliflower rice, cooked sweet potatoes, and avocado.
- Avocado toast: While avocado is technically a fruit, it spreads up beautifully on toast.
- Egg dishes: Add vegetables such as zucchini, onion, tomatoes, and bell peppers to omelets, scrambled eggs, quiche, and frittatas.
- Veggie muffins: Instead of pureed fruit, add diced or pureed vegetables like carrots, spinach, and zucchini to our basic muffin recipe.
Healthy breakfast ideas for kids
Active kids of all ages need fuel, and the right balance of protein, fiber, and carbs will give them a solid start to their busy days. Try some of our healthy breakfast ideas for toddlers, grade-school-aged kids, and teens to make your mornings easier while providing them with a healthy breakfast.
You can pair the Evidation app with apps that track food intake. The Evidation app allows you to earn points and rewards for tracking healthy habits, including sleep, mood, and physical activity. Download the app today to get a jumpstart on your family's healthy living journey.

Are vaccines safe? 4 myths and truths about vaccines
If you've been asking yourself, "Are vaccines safe?" we're here to help. Learn about the testing process and common vaccination-related concerns.
Immunizations have saved countless lives since 1796, when Dr. Edward Jenner developed the first successful vaccine. Robust testing systems and lengthy clinical trials ensure the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
In today's increasingly digital world, many people are inundated with vaccine misinformation. From social media posts to non-experts producing fear-mongering videos, it makes sense that vaccine misinformation negatively affects immunization rates among the general public.
In a 2024 study, researchers found that when people read social media misinformation that implied a relationship between vaccination and health problems, their intention of getting the COVID-19 vaccine dropped by 1.5 percentage points. Thankfully, much of this misinformation is flagged by social media outlets, reducing the number of post viewers. The study found that vaccine-skeptical content is far more nefarious, as its factually accurate but misleading presentation can cause readers and viewers to misunderstand the actual effects of vaccinations.
Here, we'll explore what you need to know about vaccine safety, and go over some facts and myths that will help you understand why vaccines are such an important part of your wellness plan.
Understanding vaccine safety
It's smart to research your healthcare decisions, and it makes sense to want to know more about the flu vaccine and other immunizations before you decide to move forward with vaccinations. Understanding the testing process that vaccines go through before they're released to the public may help you feel more comfortable with vaccinations.
The stages of the vaccine testing process in the United States include:
- Research and discovery: This process typically takes at least a decade and involves researchers working together to develop a potential vaccine.
- Proof of concept: In this stage, researchers study the potential vaccine's ability to create an immune response in mice and other small animals.
- Testing: If the vaccine shows promise in the proof of concept phase, clinical trials begin. Researchers submit their investigational drug to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and human clinical trials begin.
- Manufacturing: In this phase, the FDA explores the company's manufacturing plan for the vaccine, and inspects the manufacturing facility.
- Approval: A vaccine is approved or disapproved based on pre-clinical data and clinical data and information gathered regarding the company's manufacturing process.
- Recommendations for use: In this post-approval stage, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices develops recommendations for who should receive the new vaccine. Then, the director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) may approve the vaccine for public use.
- Post-approval safety monitoring: After the vaccine is distributed, the CDC and the FDA continually monitor the vaccine's safety.
The testing process is lengthy and detailed, and works to ensure that vaccines are as safe as possible.
Let's take a look at some of the common myths surrounding vaccinations.
Myth: Vaccines cause autism
Truth: Vaccines do not cause autism
The research is clear: there is no link between autism and vaccines. Some people have argued that thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative in vaccines, causes autism. A 2004 study proved this theory untrue. For those who are still concerned about thimerosal, it may be helpful to know that this preservative is only found in certain types of flu vaccines, and there are thimerosal-free alternatives for those who prefer that option.
Myth: Vaccines contain harmful ingredients
Truth: Vaccines are thoroughly tested and safe
Vaccines contain ingredients that allow healthcare providers to safely administer the immunization. Any substance can be dangerous if ingested in high doses, including water. Vaccine ingredients are found in lower concentrations than people are naturally exposed to in our day-to-day environment. Many people worry about formaldehyde in vaccines, but the amount of the chemical in vaccines is much lower than the amount we ingest in daily life from exposure to cosmetics, carpets, paint, cough drops, and upholstery.
Myth: Natural immunity is the only effective type of immunity
Truth: Vaccine-induced herd immunity and natural immunity are both valuable
While it's true that natural immunity typically offers better protection than most vaccines, don't cancel your flu shot just yet. Achieving natural immunity requires a high price, including suffering from a potentially life-threatening disease, in order to achieve protection similar to what you would get from a vaccine. Some vaccines—including the HPV vaccine, tetanus vaccine, and Hib vaccine—produce a stronger immune response than natural immunity.
Myth: Vaccines overload the immune system
Truth: Vaccines may cause slight side effects for a few days, but they do not overload the immune system
We've all heard someone say that they got the flu shot and then got the flu a few weeks later. It's important to remember that vaccines aren't 100% effective, but contracting an illness doesn't necessarily mean that a vaccine did not work. The side effects that come with some vaccinations—like a general feeling of malaise for a few days—are typically related to the body's immune response to the vaccine. Some people believe that a person's immune system can be overloaded and left unable to handle the pathogens introduced through immunizations. Repeated studies have demonstrated that receiving multiple vaccinations at the same time has no higher risk of adverse effects than receiving single vaccinations only, debunking the myth of immune system overload.
Evidation's role in promoting vaccine confidence
At Evidation, we're doing our part to contribute to health research by contributing individual health information to the researchers who need it most. With your permission, we use the health data you're already tracking to inform new treatments, help researchers better understand the effects of medication on the human body, and more. Bonus—you'll also get rewarded for keeping up with the healthy activities you're already doing, and we'll provide you with personalized content-based insights to help you keep moving toward becoming your healthiest, happiest self.
There's no way around it: vaccines work. At Evidation, we're proud to stand strong in the fight against misinformation to help people live longer, healthier lives. Accurate information is key in helping people feel comfortable receiving vaccines, and we're thankful to you for allowing us to do our part to support vaccine research and promote public health. Click here to learn more about what our app has to offer and get started today. We can't wait to support you!

National immunization awareness month: Take charge of your health with vaccination
Learn about common myths regarding vaccines, recommended vaccine schedules, and how the WHO is working to promote vaccine equity.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and this is a great time to shed some light on the truth about vaccines. Just like you can use a health tracker to predict a coming illness, vaccines can help people potentially prevent illness in the first place, or in the case of the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, reduce the impact of the illness. As we enter this critical month, the team at Evidation wanted to dig into the importance of vaccines for individuals and the community as a whole.
Recognizing the importance of vaccination
Since the discovery of vaccines, some of the world's deadliest viral and bacterial illnesses have been practically eliminated or greatly reduced globally. The World Health Organization states there are 25 illnesses with current vaccines. Several diseases commonplace a century ago are now pragmatically gone, including life-altering diseases like polio, hepatitis A, and tetanus.
In other words, vaccines save lives. National Immunization Awareness Month is an excellent time to draw attention to the importance of vaccination, so more people will get on board and get vaccinated.
Debunking popular vaccine myths
Sadly, vaccines have several myths surrounding them. Like all good myths, they have a measure of truth or speculation. Here are the four most popular and the reality behind them:
1. Herd immunity is enough
Herd immunity occurs when the majority of a population is vaccinated, which reduces the chances of an outbreak. Herd immunity protects the most vulnerable populations, like infants or pregnant individuals, who can't get vaccinated. So there's a measure of truth here. But if too many people rely on herd immunity, it won't work anymore. Also, the number of vaccines needed to reach this point is high. According to Yale, herd immunity against measles doesn't start until 95% of the population gets vaccinated. If too many people buy into herd immunity for their own protection, it won't exist.
2. Vaccines contain harmful ingredients
Again, there's a measure of truth to this myth. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, some vaccines contain ingredients that can be harmful in high doses, such as thimerosal. However, manufacturers are moving away from these ingredients when possible, and the amount in the vaccine is very small. In fact, you're naturally exposed to mercury, the main toxin in thimerosal, every time you drink milk or eat fish, and in much higher concentrations than what's in the vaccine.
3. Vaccines cause autism
One of the biggest popular claims circulating today is that vaccines cause autism. For some parents of children with autism, looking for a cause can become their mission.
This myth became popular in 1998 when Andrew Wakefield published a case study in the Lancet. It suggested that the MMR vaccine may trigger behavioral regression in children. Sadly, many considered this study fact, even though it only studied 12 people, had poor parameters, and was entirely speculative. In fact, 10 of the 12 co-authors of the paper retracted their interpretation of the results, but the misinformation was already out there.
In 2012, the National Academies performed a new study to determine if vaccines can trigger autism. It found that vaccines were very safe. In 2013, the CDC added to that study and found that the number of antigens from vaccines was the same between children who were on the autism spectrum and those who weren’t. Based on these two studies, the CDC has stated that vaccine ingredients don't cause autism.
4. I don't need vaccines against normal childhood illnesses like the flu or chickenpox.
For many people, getting vaccinated against something like the flu or chickenpox, which isn't often life-threatening, feels unnecessary. Yet, even though most people have mild symptoms of these illnesses, they can be very dangerous for some. In the United States, between 140,000 and 710,000 people are hospitalized yearly from flu complications, and between 12,000 and 52,000 die. You don't know if you or your child are in the "high risk" category or not. With the low risk of vaccines, it's a health measure worth taking.
Vaccination across the lifespan: Tailoring recommendations for different age groups
Vaccines are safe, but using a vaccine schedule to deliver them at the recommended ages helps protect children from uncomfortable vaccine reactions. It also ensures that they get as many vaccines as possible by the time they are in preschool.
The CDC has a recommended vaccine schedule that looks like this:
Birth to six months
In the first six months of life, babies should receive their first doses of:
- Hepatitis B
- Rotavirus
- DtaP
- Hib
- Pneumococcal conjugate
- Inactivated poliovirus
Six months to two years
Between six months and two years, toddlers need several boosters for the vaccines they've already received, as well as these:
- COVID-19
- Flu vaccine
- MMR
- Chickenpox
- Hepatitis A
Later childhood and teenage vaccines
After the initial round of vaccines, children need the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine annually. In addition, they'll need the following:
- HPV vaccine – First dose around age 11
- Meningococcal disease – First dose around age 11
- Tdap – First dose around age 11
Vaccines for adults
Adults need annual vaccines against COVID-19 and flu. In addition, they will need the Tdap vaccine on occasion to protect against tetanus. Adults who travel outside of the United States may need additional vaccines against illnesses still prevalent globally. Finally, adults need a booster for their HPV vaccination by age 26. At college age, young adults may need an MMR booster. Older adults benefit from the pneumonia and shingles vaccines.
The challenge of vaccine equity
Some of the benefits of vaccination, like herd immunity to protect the most vulnerable, don't work if people can't access vaccines. According to the WHO and other global health organizations, countries with low economic status often struggle to obtain and distribute vaccinations. Even within the US, people who don't have health insurance may not have the funds to get vaccines for their children or themselves.
To combat this, in 2020, the CDC pioneered the Partnering for Vaccine Equity program, which increased funding for adult immunization programs. While more work needs to happen, this has gone far in increasing vaccination rates in underserved communities.
COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is the newest vaccine to make global headlines, as we're just a few years past the height of the pandemic. Since its introduction at the end of 2020, at least 80% of the US population has received at least one dose of the vaccine. This has prevented over 18 million hospitalizations and 3 million potential deaths.
This vaccine shows the power of working fast to protect against a global threat. Its swift development and free administration helped curb the effects of the pandemic. Continued use of the COVID-19 vaccine and boosters in the future may help keep new variants at bay.
What's the bottom line? Immunizations are safe and provide protection for our kids and the community at large. During National Immunization Awareness Month, take a moment to check your vaccine history and make sure you're up-to-date.
Are you ready to keep track of your health? Evidation makes it easy. Use your daily health data from your fitness tracker to find patterns and improve your health by connecting to our tool. Download the app today.

Back to school: 6 tips for parents
Learn how to support your child this year by creating a sleep routine, curating a study space, and more.
The marching bands are practicing, school supplies are invading your home (and pillaging your bank account), and back to school night is right around the corner. Back to school is exciting, but it can also be stressful for parents and children alike. Here, we'll explore ways that you can support your child as they move back into the swing of things. From establishing healthy routines to dealing with academic anxiety, we'll discuss a variety of ways you can help your child have a successful start to the school year.
1. Establish a consistent sleep schedule
We get it—getting your kids to stick to a sleep schedule can feel as doable as nailing Jell-O to a tree, but we promise—it can be done.
Check out these expert tips for helping your child establish a consistent sleep schedule that will support their need to recharge:
- Create a nighttime routine. Adults and kids alike are creatures of habit, and creating a consistent bedtime routine can help your child's brain realize when it's time to relax and prepare for sleep. Your child's sleep routine should be specific to their needs. In general, experts recommend that bedtime routines take about 20 minutes and consist of three or four routine activities, such as reading, brushing teeth, taking a bath, and putting on PJs.
- Set a bedtime. Your child's biological clock thrives on consistency, and setting a bedtime can help your child's brain wind down and wake up around the same time each day. If you can, try to keep the same bedtime on weekends as during the week. Changing it up on non-school days can make it tougher for your child to stick to the routine the rest of the week.
- Limit screen time. It's getting harder to keep kids away from screens, but implementing a screen time curfew can help your kids fall asleep. When your child is on their phone, watching TV, on a computer, or using a tablet, they're viewing blue light that suppresses the brain's natural sleep chemical—melatonin. To help your kids stay away from screens before bedtime, keep devices out of the bedroom, and stop using screens about an hour before it's time for bed.
- Talk to your child's pediatrician. If you've consistently tried better sleep strategies to no avail, it's time to talk with your child's doctor to see if there may be an underlying issue. Your child's pediatrician may recommend a sleep study or other tests to get more information about how you can provide your child with the support they need to get restful sleep.
2. Create a dedicated study space
Curating a dedicated study space for your child can help them transition into study mode, and can even make them more productive while they're studying or working at home. There's no one right way to design a study space, as you'll need to consider your child's unique style and needs. Inviting your child to help you create their study space can help them get excited about spending time in their own "office."
Some considerations to keep in mind when you're developing your child's at-home study space include:
- Color: Talk with your child about whether color helps them focus. Some children do well in a bright, cheery space for studying, while others find color distracting.
- Lighting: Your child might do their best work in front of a sunny window, or they might prefer a room that's more secluded from the outside world so that they can focus. Either way, a well-lit area is key to helping your child do their best work. A fun desk lamp can give a touch of brightness to their study space if it's in a darker area of your home.
- Sound: Again, knowing your child is key. For some children, music or white noise is helpful when studying. For others, any sound is distracting. You may want to place a wireless speaker or white noise machine in your child's study area so that they're able to enjoy music or other noise without being distracted by a phone or other electronic device.
- Distractions: One of the most important aspects of designing a study space is deciding what to leave out. A clean, distraction-free desk (without clutter, multiple water bottles, or unnecessary supplies) where your child can work without other people (unless they're working on a group project or studying together) is key to helping them stay on task.
3. Organize school supplies in advance
Organizing the supplies that your child will take to school—as well as the supplies they'll use when they're working at home—can help to create an easier transition back to the school year.
When your child knows that they have everything they need, they're able to rest assured that they'll be able to face the challenges of the upcoming school year. Getting the items on your child's school supply list as early as possible can help your kids to know that they're prepared. This can work well to ease your back to school stress also, as you'll get to skip the last-minute dash to local big box stores to find the (incredibly specific) folders, calculators, and notebooks that your child's teacher requires.
It's also smart to get supplies organized at home so that your child's study area has everything they'll need to complete their work. Setting up an age-appropriate workspace with sharpened pencils, art supplies, calculators, note cards, rulers, erasers, and notebook paper can all make it easier for your child to get their work done at home. Don't forget to get your child's input on their favorite supplies—for some kids, a solid set of mechanical pencils or gel pens is all that it takes to get motivated to hit the books after school.
4. Establish morning and evening routines
Just like a solid bedtime routine matters, a great daytime routine is also important for your child's success. Setting a daily routine can help your child understand what to expect, and can take the chaos out of long school days.
A typical daily routine for a school age child might look something like:
- Wake up at 6 am
- Breakfast at 6:30 am
- School from 8 am to 3 pm
- Extracurriculars from 3 pm to 5 pm
- Homework from 5 pm to 6 pm
- Dinner at 6 pm
- Family time from 6 pm to 8 pm
- Bedtime routine from 8 pm to 8:30 pm
- Lights out by 8:30 pm
Of course, it's important to consider your child's age, sleep needs, and preferences as you develop a schedule. Asking for their input on a daily schedule can help them feel a sense of ownership, making it easier for them to stick to the plan.
It can be tough to keep track of the never-ending list of activities for your family, and remembering last-minute practices or performances can throw a wrench in your schedule. Keeping a central family calendar can help everyone stay on track with weekly events, and having a quick talk about what's coming up for the week on Sunday afternoons can help to ensure that everyone knows what to expect.
It's important to pay attention to the potential need for changes when it comes to your child's daily routine. If you notice that your child's grades are slipping, for example, it might make sense to add a little extra time to the homework block to allow for extra studying. If your child seems especially tired in the mornings, you may need to make a shift so that you can provide an earlier bedtime.
5. Encourage a healthy lifestyle
Healthy behaviors help your child feel their best, and can provide them with the self-esteem boost they may need to start the school year on the right foot.
A few ways that you can encourage your child to enjoy a healthy lifestyle include:
- Model healthy habits: What you do is more important than what you say, and modeling healthy habits provides your child with a framework for how wellness can fit into their daily lives. Eating well, having a consistent self-care routine, and getting regular exercise can all encourage your child to do the same.
- Make it fun: There's no reason that you need to have your child doing laps around the block (unless that's how they love to exercise!). Instead, playing sports as a family, dancing, or going for nature walks can all make movement more enjoyable. Pay attention to the activities your child loves, and find ways to incorporate them into your schedule. Don't overdo it—if your child is new to exercise or has asthma, take your time increasing physical activity levels. Making healthy meals together can encourage your child to try new foods, and can provide a great opportunity for parent-kiddo bonding.
- Educate your child: Kids might know that they're supposed to exercise and eat well, but they may not understand why. Talking to your child in an age-appropriate way about why healthy habits are so important can help them to understand the importance of making wellness a priority.
- Positive reinforcement: Letting your kids know when they're doing a great job incorporating healthy behaviors into their lives can go a long way in encouraging them to continue. Praise and healthy rewards can both work to help your child take care of their mind and body.
- Limit screen time: It's all too easy to lose hours scrolling on a screen, especially for kids who use technology to connect with friends. While there's no reason to cut out screen time altogether, putting a cap on the amount your child is allowed to have each day can support their mental health and encourage physical activity.
- Provide healthy options: Keeping your counter and fridge well-stocked with healthy fruits, veggies, and other whole-food snack options can make it easier for kids to make choices that support their wellness. There's no need to keep junk food out of the house, but modeling healthy food choices and ensuring that healthy food is available can help to steer your child away from foods that keep them from feeling their best.
6. Address back-to-school anxiety
If you think back to your years in school, it's likely that you had some anxiety before the first day of a new year. Getting to know a new teacher, figuring out a new schedule, or even adjusting to a new school building can all cause stress.
Acknowledging your child's feelings, talking to them about potential solutions, and practicing relaxation strategies can all help to ease your child's mind about their first day of school. If you're finding that your child is especially anxious, and it's interfering with their daily life, be sure to make an appointment with a therapist, their school counselor, or their pediatrician to get them the support they need.
Evidation: here to help
At Evidation, our team is here to help you through the ups and downs of the start of the school year. We understand how easy it can be to put yourself on the back burner when you're focusing on school supply lists and the start of fall sports. That being said, it's important to prioritize your own wellness so that you can show up for your kiddos! Our team is here to help reward you for keeping up with the healthy behaviors you're already doing, and to provide you with the content-based insights you need to take your health to the next level. Click here to learn more about Evidation and don't forget to download our app today.

Outdoor mindfulness activities to enjoy in the summer
Try these outdoor mindfulness activities to enjoy physical and mental health benefits this summer.
Many of us feel great after spending time outdoors—and it's not all in our heads. Psychological research shows that spending time in nature can both sharpen your mind and improve your mental health. Pair spending time outdoors with mindfulness—practices that help you pay attention to the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future—and you've got a winning combination.
Here, we'll explore some of the ways you can practice mindfulness outdoors to support positive mental health and, in some cases, get your heart pumping as your lungs fill with fresh air.
Outdoor yoga and meditation
Yoga and meditation both have myriad health benefits, including the ability to lower your blood pressure, brighten your moods, and boost your energy levels.
Taking yoga outdoors can be a fun and relaxing way to center yourself, get a great workout, and enjoy the benefits of nature. In many areas, yoga studios offer outdoor classes when the weather permits. If you live in an area without this option, or you'd rather not pay for a yoga class, simply take your mat (or a towel) and your phone or tablet to a flat area outdoors. Stream one of the many free yoga classes available on YouTube, and don't forget to spend a few minutes in meditation before and after your practice.
Mindful gardening
Getting your hands dirty—literally—can help you connect with nature while you beautify your space.
Follow these simple steps to begin a mindful gardening practice:
- Set your intention: Before you begin, take a moment to set an intention for your gardening session. This could be to relax, to enjoy nature, or simply to care for your plants.
- Engage your senses: Gardening is a sensory-rich activity. Feel the soil between your fingers, smell the flowers, and taste any edible plants or herbs. Engaging your senses can help you stay grounded in the present moment. When your mind wanders (and it will!) simply remind yourself to return to the present.
- Breathe deeply: As you work in the garden, take deep, mindful breaths.
- Move deliberately: Avoid rushing through tasks. Instead, move slowly and mindfully, paying attention to each action you take, whether it’s planting seeds, watering plants, or pulling weeds.
- Practice gratitude: Be grateful for the time you spend in the garden and for the opportunity to connect with nature, and for any fruits or vegetables you're able to enjoy as a result of your hard work.
Beach meditation and mindful listening
If you have access to a beach (the edge of a lake or a river bank works too!), try engaging in meditation and mindful listening. Find a quiet area, sit or lie down, focus on your breath, and listen to the rhythm of the waves and the sounds of the birds. Take time to think about all that you're grateful for.
Journaling in nature
Journaling can help you get in touch with your true self. Whether you're looking to process feelings, get motivated, or ponder your future, journaling can help to provide reflection, clarity, and presence.
When you take journaling outdoors, you're getting even more benefits, including:
- Reduced digital distractions
- Enhanced sensory experience
- Tranquil environment for reflection
- A sense of grounding as you notice the sights and sounds around you
- Enhanced creativity and ability to get into a flow state
Taking your journal to a secluded area off of your favorite trail can be a great way to get away from it all, but you don't have to put in that kind of time to get the benefits of journaling in nature. Simply relaxing in your own backyard, taking your journal to a local park, or sitting on your porch or balcony with your journal in hand can all give you a break from the hustle and bustle of the day to fully focus on your thoughts.
A helpful tip if you're not sure how to get started with journaling: Simply write "I don't know what to write." Often, once you get the first sentence out of the way, it's easier to get moving. There's no need for perfect grammar, great handwriting, or publish-worthy prose. Simply getting your feelings out of your head and onto paper can help to clear the mind.
Mindful walking in nature
The benefits of walking are numerous—from boosting your immune function to counteracting genes that are associated with weight gain, it's tough to find another exercise that melds accessibility and effectiveness so well. When you take your walks out into nature, you'll have the chance to be with your thoughts while also getting the benefit of engaging in physical activity, which can make it easier to work through thoughts that make you feel anxious, sad, or worried.
When you're walking in nature, it's a good idea to pack a snack and a bottle of water—but consider leaving your earbuds at home. Enjoying the sounds of nature without the distraction of a podcast or music can provide the tranquil environment that you need to feel relaxed and centered.
Outdoor mindfulness: making the most of your summer
Combining outdoor activities with mindfulness can be the perfect way to enjoy all that summer has to offer. Whether you choose to relax on the beach or get out for a walk while you're listening to the sounds of the forest, be sure to pencil in a few times each week to connect with nature.
At Evidation, we're here to support you on every step of your wellness journey, and we can't wait for you to start earning rewards by participating in activities that support your well-being. Using Evidation is simple—you share which health tracking app data you'd like to share, and we use that data to provide you with personalized, content-based insights that provide the information you need to take your health to the next level. Click here to learn more about how Evidation works, and how you can get started with earning rewards today!

Symptoms of heatstroke: how to take care in this summer
Heatstroke can happen fast. Understand the warning signs, what to do if you're showing symptoms of heatstroke, and how to avoid heatstroke this summer.
Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness that happens when the body becomes unable to cool itself. Usually, the body's temperature regulation system is able to use natural cooling mechanisms when the body's temperature begins to rise. During a heat stroke, however, the failure of these mechanisms leads to an unnaturally high body temperature, often above 104°F.
Here, we'll explore what causes heat stroke, warning signs that you need to be aware of to keep yourself and your family safe from heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, how you can prevent heatstroke, and how you can use technology to keep yourself safe from heat-related illnesses.
Understanding heatstroke: a serious summer risk
As temperatures continue to climb this summer, it's easy to get distracted when you're having fun outdoors. Forgetting to hydrate, take breaks, or relax in the shade can have dangerous consequences, however. Heatstroke, a condition in which the body's temperature rises to an abnormally high degree, can cause long-term health complications including damage to the muscles, kidneys, brain, and heart. Left untreated, heatstroke can even become fatal.
Understanding the causes of heatstroke can help you avoid factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.
Common causes of heatstroke include:
- Exposure to high temperatures: Spending time in hot weather can lead to heatstroke. This is especially common when high heat is combined with high humidity, as this can overwhelm the body's ability to cool itself.
- Physical exertion in high temperatures: Exercising in hot weather can increase the likelihood of heatstroke. People who work outdoors for a living, such as athletes, laborers, and military personnel, are at a higher risk for heatstroke than those in the general population.
- Dehydration: When your body doesn't have enough water, you may lose the ability to sweat and cool yourself, increasing the likelihood of heatstroke.
- Wearing clothing that isn't weather-appropriate: Wearing clothing that is too tight or too heavy in hot weather can make it harder for your body to get rid of heat.
- Certain medications: There are certain medications that can make it harder for the body to regulate its own temperature, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.
- Certain medical conditions: Issues like obesity, respiratory disorders, and heart disease can all make you more likely to develop heatstroke. If you have these conditions, be sure to talk with your doctor about any steps that you may need to take in order to stay safe in extreme temperatures.
Early signs of heatstroke to watch for
When you're working to safely enjoy summer weather, it's important to know the early signs of heatstroke. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it's important to take steps to improve symptoms. Certain groups of people, such as elderly people, young children, athletes, people with chronic illnesses or who take certain medications, and people who are using alcohol or drugs are more likely to experience heatstroke than people in other groups.
Early signs of heatstroke may include:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness and lightheadedness
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Excessive thirst
- Confusion and irritability
- Pale and moist skin
If these symptoms don't go away after moving to a cooler area, loosening clothing, hydrating, resting, and making attempts to cool the body, it's important to seek medical attention.
Advanced symptoms indicating severe heatstroke
Sometimes, heatstroke symptoms progress from mild to severe.
Signs of severe heatstroke may include:
- High body temperature
- Altered mental state or other changes in behavior
- Dry, hot skin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid heart rate
- Headache
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Lack of sweating
If these signs appear in yourself or a loved one, it's important to seek emergency medical attention to prevent damage to vital organs and/or death.
How heatstroke differs from heat exhaustion
Heatstroke and heat exhaustion are both conditions caused by the failure of the body's natural cooling system. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that typically resolves on its own within about an hour. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can develop into heatstroke.
Staying cool: tips for beating the heat
There are many steps you can take to avoid the development of heat exhaustion or heatstroke, including:
- Use lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to protect your skin
- Use air conditioning when possible
- Avoid peak heat by staying out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm
- Stay hydrated and drink electrolytes (such as those in a sports drink) in extremely hot weather
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine
The importance of hydration
Drinking plenty of water or other drinks enhanced with electrolytes alongside your favorite summer meals can be a smart step to prevent heatstroke. When you drink water, your body doesn't just cool off from the temperature difference—it also is better able to support your natural cooling mechanisms, such as sweating. The ability to sweat can come and go during a heatstroke as the body's cooling systems begin to fail.
Using technology to stay safe in the heat
Logging your water intake and physical activity levels in your health and nutrition tracking apps can help you ensure that you're taking the necessary steps to protect yourself against heatstroke. Using weather apps to check temperature changes throughout the day can also help you to stay safe by providing you with information on when it's safest to exercise or otherwise spend time outdoors.
Understanding heatstroke can be the first step toward avoiding the condition. Taking breaks from high temperatures, avoiding heavy physical activity in hot weather, drinking plenty of cool water, wearing weather-appropriate clothing, and working with your doctor (if necessary) to learn more about how you can protect yourself are all important ways to avoid heatstroke.
At Evidation, we're committed to helping you live your healthiest life. When you drink water and log your ounces on your health, nutrition, or fitness tracking apps linked to your Evidation account, you can work toward rewards for making healthy choices. We'd love to show you all the ways that Evidation can support your journey to health. You can learn more about how Evidation works here, and get started with earning rewards today.

How many bottles of water should you drink a day: Evidation explains everything you need to know
Learn whether 8 ounces is really enough, and how you can encourage yourself to stay on track and hit your water goals.
When it comes to finding the right amount of water to drink each day, it can be tough to sift through the contradictory information you'll find on the internet. Some websites will tell you that you only need to drink water when you're thirsty, while others will tell you that you need to swig at least half of your body weight in ounces for optimal hydration. There's no doubt that hydration matters for your overall health and well-being, but it's important to understand how to figure out the amount of water that's right for you.
Here, we'll take a look at the general guidelines for ensuring that you're getting enough water, different factors that can influence the amount of water that you need in a day, signs that you aren't getting enough water (and what to do about it), and some practical tips that can help you include more water in your daily routine. Fill up your water bottle, get comfy, and let's get started.
The general guideline: eight glasses a day
Many health and wellness experts agree that aiming to drink eight glasses of water a day is a good goal for most people. Recent research from the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine showed that about 15.5 cups of fluids per day are necessary for men, and 11.5 cups per day are necessary for women. While this may seem far higher than the eight glasses recommendation, it's actually not that different, as the higher recommendations include fluids from all drinks and food ingested throughout the day.
Factors influencing individual water needs
While it can be helpful to have a goal in mind when it comes to your hydration needs, listening to your body and understanding the unique factors that can require more or less water is key to feeling your best.
Factors that can influence how much water you'll need throughout your day include:
- Environment: If it's especially hot or humid outside, you'll need to work overtime to make sure that your body is getting the water that it needs. Take plenty of breaks to go inside and sip a glass of cool water.
- Exercise: If you're working out and getting sweaty, you're going to need more water. Drinking before, during, and after exercise can help you to keep dehydration at bay.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: You're not just eating for two—you're also drinking for two. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's likely that you'll need to drink additional water to ensure that both you and your growing baby are getting all of the water necessary to feel your best.
- Illness: If you're going through an illness that's causing vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, it's important that you replace lost fluids. Your doctor may recommend that you use an electrolyte solution to help maintain your body's natural balance.
- Health conditions: Some health conditions, like kidney disease, heart disease, and certain liver problems can impact the amount of water that you need each day.
Signs of dehydration and how to avoid it
Whether you're training for a marathon or simply spending time gardening outdoors, it's important to be on the lookout for signs of dehydration. Many people don't realize that they're dehydrated until their condition becomes severe. Recognizing signs of dehydration early can help you get the care you need.
Common signs of dehydration in adults include:
- Extreme thirst
- Confusion and dizziness
- Dark-colored urine
- Fatigue
- Infrequent urination
Sometimes, dehydration can be resolved with at-home treatment, including drinking plenty of fluids and getting rest. It's important to seek medical care if you’ve had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, have black or bloody stools, can't drink fluids without vomiting, or if you or your loved one are irritable, extremely fatigued, or disoriented.
Benefits of staying properly hydrated
Water is vital to maintaining your body's normal functioning. Understanding why it's so important to stay hydrated may help you remember to fill up your bottle before you leave the house in the morning.
Benefits of staying hydrated include:
- Cellular function: Water is necessary for many biochemical reactions in the body, including those that generate energy and build new tissue. When you give your body the right amount of water, you're providing the tools necessary for optimal functioning.
- Removal of waste: Waste removal is an essential facet of your well-being, and your body needs plenty of water to release waste through urine. If you're not getting enough water, it's likely that your body is holding onto waste that it doesn't need, potentially causing health problems down the road.
- Digestive health: Water helps the digestive process by dissolving nutrients so they can be absorbed by the intestines. Drinking plenty of water can also help with constipation and other digestive issues.
How to incorporate more water into your daily routine
You know why it's so important to drink the water you need, but that doesn't mean it's easy. Follow the tips below to get yourself in the habit of downing the H2O your body craves.
- Pick out a water bottle you love. We get it—it seems a little silly, but it really can help. Choosing a water bottle that makes you smile can put a little extra pep in your step every time you head back to the water cooler to fill up.
- Use an app. There are plenty of apps that can help you track your water consumption—the key is finding one that works well for you. Don't forget to connect your water app to Evidation so we can start rewarding you for staying hydrated!
- Jazz it up. Tossing a few slices of lemon or lime into your water bottle can give you the hint of flavor you need to enjoy each glass.
Evidation: Here to support your health
At Evidation, we don't just cheer you on when it comes to tracking your health data—we also provide the rewards you need to stay motivated! When you connect and use apps that track your water consumption, don't forget to share their data with Evidation so that we can give you the virtual high-fives you need to keep going. Learn more about the app here, and if you haven't downloaded Evidation already, do so today!

Heat stress: 15 symptoms to identify and how to avoid it
Learn about the signs and symptoms of heat stress, what you can do to prevent heat stress, and how technology can help you stay safe.
Spending time in the summer sun can be a great way to connect with friends, enjoy healthy exercise, and soak up some vitamin D. That being said, heat stress can happen to anyone. Heat stress can lead to severe heat-related illnesses.
Here, we'll explore everything you need to know about heat stress, including early signs of the condition, symptoms that you'll need to watch out for, steps you can take to prevent heat stress, and how you can utilize technology to help you stay safe in the sun.
What is heat stress?
When your body can't maintain a normal temperature, you could experience heat stress. This condition occurs when your body is unable to get rid of extra heat, causing your core temperature to rise. Typically, the body is able to cool itself through sweating, but in extreme heat, sweating may not be enough to cool the body down. Mild or moderate cases of heat stress can typically be handled with home treatment, such as resting in a cool, shady area and drinking water or sports drinks slowly.
When heat stress becomes severe, it can be harder to prevent the condition from developing into a more serious heat-related condition. Let's take a look at the early warning signs of heat stress.
Early signs of heat stress
Knowing the early signs of heat stress is important for keeping yourself safe when you're spending time outdoors, enjoying summer weather.
Early signs of heat stress include:
- Heavy sweating
- Elevated body temperature
- Dizziness
- Fatigue and confusion
- Reduced appetite
- Increased thirst
- Irritability
If you think you might be experiencing heat stress, err on the side of caution. Cool off, drink some water, and relax with a cool washcloth on your forehead. If your symptoms persist, be sure to seek medical attention.
Moderate symptoms to watch out for
If mild heat stress is left untreated, it can quickly ramp up to moderate heat stress. At this level, you have less time to seek medical attention than at the mild level.
Symptoms of moderate heat stress can include:
- Ongoing symptoms of mild heat stress
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
Moderate heat stress may require medical intervention. If you find that home remedies are not working to alleviate your symptoms, it's important to seek emergency medical care before your heat stress develops into a more serious condition.
Severe symptoms
Severe heat stress requires immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of severe heat stress can include:
- Ongoing symptoms of mild and moderate heat stress
- Hot, flushed skin
- Very pale skin
- Low or high blood pressure
How to prevent heat stress
Thankfully, there are many steps you can take to prevent heat stress. Check out the simple tips below to keep yourself safe in high temperatures.
Stay informed
Taking a look at the weather app on your phone at the start of each day is one of the simplest ways to keep yourself safe against heat stress. If a heat advisory has been issued by The National Weather Service, be sure to pay attention to the times when the heat will become dangerous. If possible, plan to be inside during these times. If you must be outdoors, keep an eye out for signs of heat stress and take steps to keep yourself as cool as possible.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is key to warding off heat stress. Drinking plenty of water each day is important to keep yourself safe in high temperatures. Your standard eight 8-ounce glasses each day may not be enough in extremely high temperatures, so be sure to listen to your body and keep your water bottle handy on super-hot days.
Dress appropriately
Wearing light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help to protect you from the high temperatures that can cause heat stress. If you're in the sun, wearing a hat and/or sunglasses can also help to reduce your exposure.
Consider a summer-specific schedule
If you have a career that requires you to spend many of your waking hours outside, consider whether you can change up your schedule to help keep you safe. While this isn't always possible, a slight shift in hours can make a world of difference for those who work outdoors. Moving your work to the early morning or the early evening can help you avoid the times when the sun is at its hottest (typically between 10 am and 2 pm). If it's not possible for you to avoid the sun at work, be sure to stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, and keep an eye out for signs of heat stress.
Acclimate gradually
It's true that your body can get used to hotter temperatures over time, but it's important not to rush this process. Paying attention to your body's natural signals (such as an increase in sweating) can help you know when it's time to take a break as you're getting used to the summer heat.
Maintain physical health
Aerobic fitness doesn't just help you feel your best—it can also help to protect your body against heat stress. According to current research, people who have a high level of aerobic (cardio) fitness are better able to rid their bodies of heat than people with a lower level of aerobic fitness. If this news inspires you to exercise outdoors, be sure to exercise in the early morning or evening, wear appropriate clothing, and drink plenty of water.
Using technology to monitor and avoid heat stress
Using health, fitness, and nutrition apps to track your water intake can help you stay hydrated when you're sweating in the sun. Allowing notifications from your water tracking app can help you remember to keep sipping when life gets busy.
At Evidation, we put the health data you choose to share with us to good use by analyzing the data you're already tracking to provide you with the insights and health-savvy content that helps you feel your best. Learn more about how Evidation works and download today to get the support you need to be your healthiest self.

Outdoor workout in summer: 6 ideas to have fun!
Exercising outdoors can help you make the most of your summer, and these six workout options will help you enjoy the sun.
Summer is in full swing, and there's no better time of year to take your workout outdoors. Working out outdoors isn't just great for getting your heart rate up—it also gives you the chance to enjoy fresh air, soak up the sun, and get the vitamin D you need to feel your best.
The best kind of workout is one that you'll happily do, and finding the type of movement your body craves is key to developing a sustainable summer workout plan. Not sure where to start with sweating in the sun? We've got you! Here, we'll take a look at some ideas for new workouts to try under the summer sun (don't forget to pack your favorite summer fruits to refuel afterward).
1. Swimming: a refreshing way to stay fit
The classic summer workout, swimming lets you stay cool while providing a low-impact workout that keeps you in control of your intensity level.
The benefits of swimming include:
- Builds endurance
- Low-impact
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves lung capacity
- Improves cardiovascular health
Give it a try: If you're not a natural in the pool, no worries. There's nothing wrong with signing up for adult swim lessons, or starting out with a water aerobics class to get a feel for whether you enjoy the pool. If you're already confident in your swimming abilities, start slow by swimming for 15-20 minutes a few times each week, working slowly to build up your endurance and strength.
2. Trail running for an exhilarating challenge
Trail running is a challenge for your mind and your body that will leave you feeling strong, relaxed, and refreshed. Pro tip: leave your headphones at home when you're out trail running. Enjoying the sounds of nature will add to the zen of spending time on the trails.
The benefits of trail running include:
- Natural surroundings can boost mental well-being
- Lower impact than running on asphalt
- Improves proprioception (your brain's awareness of your body's position)
- Natural interval training
- Improved agility
Give it a try: Trail running is a fun and relaxing way to increase your cardio fitness, and you can get started by learning more about trails in your area (check out websites like AllTrails to learn more about nearby hidden gems). Using interval training to play with your speed (for example, running one minute, then walking for one minute) can help you build up to a more constant run. Remember, safety first—go with a friend if you can, make sure your phone is charged, and always let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.
3. Beach volleyball for a full-body workout
If you're lucky enough to live within driving distance of a beach or sand volleyball court, you'll love the teamwork, excitement, and full-body challenge that you'll get from a game of beach volleyball.
The benefits of beach volleyball include:
- Improved coordination
- Improves reflexes
- Engages legs, core, arms, and shoulders
- Lower impact than hard court surfaces
- Improves endurance
Give it a try: If you have friends who are down to play, organize a weekend game. New to the volleyball world? Check out community centers and local recreational organizations to join a team and get started.
4. Outdoor yoga for flexibility and mindfulness
Taking your yoga practice outdoors can be a fun and challenging way to experience asanas in a new light. Whether you practice with a class or on your own, be sure to enjoy every deep breath of fresh air from your first sun salutation to your final namaste.
The benefits of outdoor yoga include:
- Reduction of stress and anxiety
- Promotes healthy circadian rhythms
- Increased serotonin
- Increased engagement in practice due to enhanced sensory experience
- Improved proprioception
Give it a try: Search for an outdoor yoga class near you (unless otherwise stated, yoga classes are generally welcoming to all levels, and your instructor will help you with any necessary modifications). No outdoor yoga options in your area? Head outside with your mat or a towel, pull up a free yoga video (you'll find tons of options on YouTube), and get started!
5. Stand-up paddleboarding for balance and core strength
Stand-up paddleboarding allows you to glide across the water's surface while you enjoy a full-body workout that improves your balance, calms your mind, and works a wide variety of muscle groups.
The benefits of stand-up paddleboarding include:
- Improved strength and endurance
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Engages a variety of muscle groups, including the arms, shoulders, back, legs, and core
- Improved balance
- Increased mental clarity
Give it a try: Many communities offer stand-up paddleboarding rentals and classes. If you have kayak or rowboat rentals available in your area, ask whether they offer stand-up paddleboard rentals as well. If it's your first time, be sure to schedule a class or lesson with an instructor before hitting the water on your own.
6. Ultimate Frisbee for cardio and teamwork
Fast-paced and fun, Ultimate Frisbee is a cardio-intensive game that requires teamwork, agility, and quick thinking. The game is perfect for those who want to socialize while exercising outdoors.
The benefits of ultimate Frisbee include:
- Improved agility
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Development of teamwork skills
- Improved hand-eye coordination
- May reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Give it a try: Ultimate Frisbee is popular around the world, and it's likely that you'll be able to find a friendly game wherever you go. Check out Pickup Ultimate to find and join a game near you, and show up ready to sweat and make some new friends.
At Evidation, we're here to support your health, no matter how you choose to enjoy healthy movement. With our app, you'll be able to track a variety of activities, get insights into your performance, and earn rewards for staying active. We're here to help you set and meet fitness goals, monitor your progress, and stay motivated, all summer long.
This is the perfect time of year to enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer, and at Evidation, we're here to help you to make the most of your health data by providing personalized insights and content that helps you live your best life. Learn more about Evidation today and download the app—we can't wait to support you!