If you’re researching passport cards, you might question whether or not they’re worth your time and money. Passport cards were issued starting in 2008 by the U.S. State Department as a more affordable and efficient way for U.S. citizens to travel across borders. But what’s the distinction between books and cards? While we can use passport books to travel globally, a passport card is exclusive to one continent.

Passport cards are valid for domestic flights within the U.S. and traveling by either land or sea to Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, and multiple islands in the Caribbean. They’re both valid for ten years for anyone sixteen and over and valid for five years for minors, so depending on your travel plans, a passport card can be a significantly more economical choice. Since the cards aren’t valid for crossing into all countries, getting a passport card will cost significantly less: while a book will set you back $110 for an application and $35 to get the actual book, cards are only $30 for an application and $35 for an execution fee.

While passport books can be bulky and difficult to carry on you at all times, passport cards can easily fit in most standard wallet pockets. The size of a passport card ensures extra safety and accessibility, too; as with passport books, you’ll likely need to have a separate accessory to carry your book. And while passport books are more susceptible to wear and tear or going missing, meaning expensive replacements, passport cards are made of plastic, so they’re much more sturdier and, should anything happen to it, much cheaper to replace.

They’re also incredibly convenient for simple border crossings or cruises, allowing you to get access across border lines much quicker than with a passport book. It can also serve you as an alternate form of ID. By 2023, the TSA will require any traveler eighteen or older to show a REAL ID-compliant license or another form of verified ID. If you can’t update your current license, your passport card can save you the headache of an afternoon at the DMV.

The reality is while a passport book can unlock anywhere in the globe for you, passport cards can be a wise and versatile decision depending on your travel situation. The passport card can be a worthwhile partner for your next adventure with benefits like an additional form of ID, lower upfront costs, and added security and durability.

Planning a trip? Make sure you are prepared with Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Written for Passport Health by CJ Darnieder. CJ is a freelance writer and editor in Chicago. He is an avid lover of classical music and stand-up comedy and loves to write both in his spare time.

Infants and children are more susceptible to colds because their immune systems aren’t as strong. This means that it’s very likely that your baby will catch a cold. It’s very likely that they may catch a cold multiple times. What should you do if your baby gets a cold?

When Your Baby Has a Cold

It’s no surprise that babies are prone to catching colds. Their immune systems have just been newly introduced into the environment so they don’t quite yet know how to fight off the common pathogens that surround us. This includes the bacteria that causes the common cold.

When your baby catches a cold, it’s important to understand that the cold itself is not a dangerous sickness. Developing colds is a normal part of growth in infants and children and it can help strengthen their immune systems. But, the symptoms that arise as part of the common cold should be watched carefully since these could indicate signs of a more dangerous infection.

Symptoms of the Cold

When your baby has a cold, they will often show the following symptoms:

• Irritability or inconsolability
• Sneezing and coughing (coughing usually occurs at later stages of the disease process)
• Runny nose (the mucous will be clear initially and then yellow or green later on)
• Fever
• Loss of appetite

Other symptoms include drooling and even vomiting or diarrhea. Some of these symptoms are more dangerous than others as they could be signs of worse infections, such as the flu, whooping cough or pneumonia. If it’s simply an infant cold, the symptoms will resolve in about 10 days and will get better with proper hydration and rest. If symptoms seem to worsen or last longer than 10 days, this may be a sign of a more dangerous infection.

Check the Fever

Your baby may develop a slight fever when they have a cold. This is normal and indicates that your baby’s immune system is working to fight off the infection. But, if the fever doesn’t go away within 10 days and seems to be increasing in temperature, your baby may have the flu. If this is the case, contact your primary healthcare provider or seek urgent medical attention. The flu is particularly dangerous for infants.

Check the Cough

If your baby’s cough seems to be getting worse after a week of the cold, it’s important to start paying particular attention to the type of sounds your baby makes when coughing. A long lasting cough characterized by a high pitched “whoop” sound on inhalation could mean that your baby has whooping cough, also known as pertussis. Seek medical attention right away if you suspect that your baby has developed whooping cough.

Check the Breathing

The common cold is an upper respiratory illness. This means that it typically won’t cause difficulty breathing because it doesn’t affect the lungs. If it seems like your baby is having trouble breathing, immediately see your primary healthcare provider. Difficulty breathing is characterized by rapid breaths, grunting and wheezing sounds and visible chest retractions. These symptoms in addition to symptoms of the common cold could indicate that your baby has pneumonia.

Don’t Panic

If your baby develops a cold, there is absolutely no need to panic. This is part of the growth process for babies and children. The common cold can strengthen their immune system and get it ready to fight off the bacteria in the future. However, pay close attention to the length of time symptoms last. If symptoms last beyond 10 days and seem to worsen, seek medical attention.

Planning a trip abroad with your infant? Make sure you both are protected with vaccines and advice from Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.

When struggling with gout, it is very important to choose foods that won’t trigger or worsen joint pain. These include foods that are low in purine and foods that won’t increase blood acid levels. If you’re traveling to South America soon, here are some of the best dishes and snacks that won’t activate or exacerbate symptoms if you suffer from gout.

Arepas (Venezuela and Colombia)

Made from ground corn or cooked flour, arepas are a South American favorite. This round flatbread can be filled with pretty much whatever you want. Common fillings are cheese, eggs and meats. You’ll want to make sure the arepa isn’t filled with any animal organ meat such as liver, since organ meats are very high in purine and will increase uric acid production, causing an onset of joint pain. Cheese and eggs are quite low in purine content, so stay on the safe side and get an arepa filled with either of these delicious options. Arepas are typically lightly pan fried, so they have a relatively low oil content and won’t increase the acidity of your blood.

Metemgee (Guyana)

This guyanese dish is a savory combination of cassava, sweet potatoes, yams, plantains, onions and garlic. Boiled in a pot of deliciously seasoned coconut milk, Metemgee is a safe choice for those looking for gout-friendly foods in South America. It’s sometimes served with salt or fried fish on the side, so make sure to kindly decline or substitute this. Fish is quite high in purine and can make your gout worse.

Dulce De Leche (Colombia, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil)

Dulce De Leche isn’t a particularly healthy option, but it is okay when enjoyed in moderation. With its main ingredient being milk, its low purine content won’t trigger your gout. Made primarily from milk, sugar and sometimes vanilla, this is a mouthwatering sweet treat that pairs well with other low purine treats such as donuts or white-bread toast.

Travel Gout-Friendly in South America

There are so many other gout-friendly dishes on the beautiful continent of South America. Once you step foot on the streets of one of these bustling South American countries, you’ll see for yourself. As you explore the various cuisines of the region, make sure to stick to foods low in purine content and foods that won’t elevate blood acid levels. Stick to foods that aren’t spicy, deep-fried or excessively greasy. Avoid foods with a high caffeine content as well. Keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be able to find delicious food options as you travel the captivating continent of South America.

Street foods can be delicious, but make sure you are prepared before traveling. Passport Health offers a variety of travelers’ diarrhea options and advice for any destination. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.

Traveling across the globe on an airplane to your vacation destination is exciting. But, flights can last eight hours or even more. It is wise to catch some sleep on the plane before you arrive, if you can. Here are five tips for better sleep on a plane.

Fly Direct If Possible

If it is possible to get a direct flight to your destination, it is better overall for your sleep. When you have connecting flights and layovers, it can disrupt any sleep you might want to catch on the plane. You will feel much more refreshed and ready to have fun if you plan for a direct flight.

Shut Off The Blue Lights

Chances are that you have your phone, tablet, computer or other electronics with you. But, if you want to grab a few winks before you land in another country, it is integral to put your devices that emit blue light away. This is so that your body can wind down and get some rest.

But, it also throws off the secretion of melatonin, which is the hormone that is responsible for your sleep cycle and has a significant influence over your circadian rhythm. That can turn your whole sleep cycle for the trip upside down. It is essential to put away any items that give off blue light, at least during the plane ride while you are trying to rest.

Grab Some Sleep Essentials

If you know that you are going to be on a plane for a while, you will want to gather up some items essential for sleep. Bring them with you on your carry-on, so you have easy access to them. Some ideas for things that can help one rest are:

• Travel pillow
• A warm blanket
• Sleep mask
• Earplugs
• Headphones

You should also make sure that you are wearing comfortable clothes if you are planning to get some sleep on the plane. That way, you are not restricted by anything tight or constricting and can relax.

Avoid Caffeine Before The Flight

Drinking caffeinated beverages before your flight can mess with your sleep schedule, especially if you plan to grab a nap. It is best to skip the caffeine and get some extra rest instead. You should also not drink alcohol when you are sleeping on a plane. While in the beginning, alcohol may lull you to sleep, it can lead to more awakenings during your sleep cycle, and it can interrupt how you feel when you land. While on the plane, try to drink plenty of water, though, so you do not get dehydrated.

Stick To Your Normal Sleep Routine

When you are ready to get some rest, try sticking to what you usually do at bedtime. Whether it be meditation or listening to music, try using some of the essential sleep gear listed above to help you in this process. You could even try some light stretching just before you board the plane.

By utilizing these tips for your next long-distance flight, you’ll be lulled to sleep while being swiftly carried to your long-awaited destination vacation. Make sure that you are up-to-date on all of your travel vaccinations by making an appointment here at Passport Health.

Planning an international trip? Make sure you’re protected with immunizations from Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.

Looking for a place to stay while you are planning your next trip can be daunting sometimes. But every now and then, a gem of a booking comes along that you just can’t pass up. If you are a world traveler that is always on the lookout for the next great getaway, these quirky Airbnbs will have you wanting to book a trip this weekend just to hang out in these fun stays.

Cabana Floripa

With its mind-blowingly beautiful and colorful glass walls, you get a spectacular view of the entire territory. Cabana Floripa in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil truly gives you the stay of a lifetime. It was created with the earth in mind and is created with reusable materials. It can house five people and features a loft with a double bed, and the common room is filled with walls of beautiful up-cycled bottles.

The Seashell House

If you have ever wondered what living inside of one of the ocean’s beautiful seashells is, The Seashell House in Isla Mujeres, Mexico features immaculate king beds, beautifully rounded staircases, and incredible views of the Caribbean Sea right across the street. It is a private and gated property, so you don’t have to worry about being around tourists if that’s not your thing. The beach is just across the way, to crystal blue waters. If you are looking to stay in an architectural masterpiece, this home is the way to go.

Casa Arbol – Treehouse life in SJDS

Have you dreamed of sleeping in a treehouse, high in the air, private and beautiful? Take a stay in Casa Arbol- Treehouse life in SJDS in San Juan del Sur, Rivas, Nicaragua. It overlooks the Pacific Ocean, giving you spectacular and breathtaking views. You can listen to the calls of the exotic birds that live in the beautiful flora below you. Inside the house, you will find modern amenities, like wifi and flat-screen televisions. The bedrooms have amazing views of the forest. It even has a pool where you can relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature surrounding you.

Unique and Secluded AirShip

If you love to watch the stars at night, this Unique and Secluded AirShip in Drimnin, Scotland, United Kingdom is the perfect place to do it. It has one bedroom and one bath, and can sleep two people. The unique and quirky architecture of this home is beautiful and appealing to the eye. You are able to see the lovely Sound of Mull from the windows of this sweet pod dwelling.

There are so many unique places to stay all across the world. It can be a lot of fun checking out local Airbnbs in or near your destination, you never know, you may find a hidden gem.

Planning an international trip? Make sure you’re healthy while abroad with Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.

Rabies is a fatal viral disease from the rhabdovirus family. When thinking about rabies, most people think of wild animals, intense drooling, and aggression. In North America rabies is typically found in wild animals such as bats, raccoons and foxes. But, in other areas of the world the most common carrier of rabies is dogs.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), up to 99 percent of human confirmed rabies cases are caused by dogs. While rabies is preventable, it’s still a very serious disease that “causes tens of thousands of deaths every year, mainly in Asia and Africa.”

Spread through direct contact with saliva, such as a bite or scratch from an infected animal, the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system. When infected with rabies, the virus can affect the body in one of two ways. Either the virus enters the peripheral nervous system directly and then migrates to the brain or it replicates within the muscle tissue and eventually enters into the nervous system.

The initial symptoms of rabies are very similar to having the flu. The infected person can have a fever, headache and experience a general weakness that can last for a few days. Along with this the site of the bite or scratch will be uncomfortable and have a prickling or itching sensation.

If left untreated the disease progresses and the infected person can experience more severe symptoms including delirium, hallucinations, insomnia and hydrophobia. These are clinical signs of rabies and once they appear, the disease is nearly always fatal. In about 80 percent of rabies cases, the person infected develops furious, or encephalitic rabies, and is likely to experience hydrophobia.

Hydrophobia is the fear of water, but why is it a symptom of rabies? When rabies affects the nervous system, one potential side effect is intense spasms in the throat, or pharynx. While involuntary, these painful spasms can also be triggered when the person tries to swallow, leading to severe issues with swallowing. No matter how thirsty the infected person is, the spasms can occur and it can become difficult to swallow anything.

These uncontrollable contractions of the pharynx are responsible for the hydrophobia symptoms. The infected person then becomes terrified of water because just the thought of it can send their throat into violent and painful convulsions.

While rabies is preventable through simple measures such as leaving wildlife alone and vaccinating your pets, you could still contract rabies and it’s important to work fast. If you’ve been bitten or scratched by wildlife, or any unfamiliar animal, you should first wash any wounds immediately with soap and water, then immediately seek medical attention. Rabies can be a fatal disease and should be treated with a medical urgency.

Depending on your area’s state or local health department, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment will be “based on your type of exposure, the animal you were exposed to, whether the animal is available for testing, and laboratory and surveillance information for the geographic area where the exposure occurred.” For example, in the United States, treatment can consist of a regimen of one dose of immune globulin and four doses of the rabies vaccine over a two-week period.

Rabies is present in 150 countries, so anyone who is traveling to areas where rabies is a risk, or are participating in activities where wild animals are present, such as caving or hiking, should consult their doctor about vaccinations prior to traveling. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Written for Passport Health by Brianna Malotke. Brianna is a freelance writer and costume designer located in Illinois. She’s an avid coffee drinker and enjoys researching new topics for writing projects. Her site can be found here.

Typhoid fever can be a life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. Typically, typhoid is spread through sewage contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it’s estimated that between 11 – 20 million people contract typhoid each year with roughly 128,000 – 161,000 cases resulting in death (WHO https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/typhoid). There are currently two vaccine options as well as antibiotic treatments available to treat typhoid.

If you are pregnant, it’s important to take extra precautions when traveling to areas where typhoid is present. Typhoid can cause added complications to pregnancy.

The main symptom of typhoid is a prolonged high fever. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, headache, loss of appetite or nausea. In some cases, people may develop a rash of flat, rose-colored spots. When a person is infected, the bacteria tend to be found in the bloodstream and intestinal tract. Like any gastroenteric infection, typhoid can negatively affect a pregnancy.

Typhoid is difficult to treat during pregnancy because the usual antibiotics used may pose a risk to the fetus. There has been a rise antibiotic resistance among the types of salmonellae, which makes the selection of antibiotics limited in addition to the limitations that pregnancy adds to antibiotic choices.

When you’re pregnant your immune system can be weakened. If your health is compromised, it can then adversely affect the health of the fetus. If typhoid causes the fatigue, nausea, or loss of appetite, there is a chance that the doctor recommends a liquid diet. In this case, there is a risk of the fetus not receiving adequate nutrition for proper development. This could lead to premature birth or an underweight newborn.

If typhoid is left untreated, the symptoms can cause the mother to be severely ill or face complications. This includes the potential for a miscarriage.

Pregnancy comes with its own risks. During pregnancy you can already expect bouts of weakness, fatigue, and nausea. Any added infection or complication can interfere with both the mother’s and the baby’s health. One study showed that if a pregnant woman contracts typhoid their pregnancy can be further complicated by neonatal typhoid, where the infection reaches the placenta.

If you suspect that you may have contracted typhoid and are pregnant, it’s important to treat the situation as a medical emergency, no matter which stage you’re at in your pregnancy. People who don’t receive appropriate antibiotic treatment could have a fever for weeks or months and may develop complications from their infection. Once typhoid is identified, usually through a blood test or stool sample, the doctor will help develop a treatment plan.

Typhoid infection while pregnant can lead to a variety of complications including improper growth and development of the baby due to the mother’s weakness and inability to receive proper nutrition as well as the risk of a miscarriage. Vaccination is the best form of protection to avoid typhoid infection.

Remember that vaccines may not always be 100 percent effective. It’s necessary to practice safe eating and drinking habits in areas with typhoid. This includes washing your hands after using the restroom and before eating, avoiding raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled, and opting for no ice.

Pregnant and planning a trip? Make sure you’re protected with vaccines and advice from Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Written for Passport Health by Brianna Malotke. Brianna is a freelance writer and costume designer located in Illinois. She’s an avid coffee drinker and enjoys researching new topics for writing projects. Her site can be found here.

In 500 BC famous philosopher Parmenides said “Give me the power to produce fever, and I’ll cure all disease”. Physicians in these early times noticed that their patients symptoms were drastically improved following a fever. Hippocrates, the Greek Physician noted that malarial fevers calmed his epileptic patients and several other physicians followed suit. The most notable physician to use fever therapy as a treatment is Austrian psychiatrist Julius Wagner-Jauregg in the early-20th century.

Wagner-Jauregg was a professor of psychiatry and Director of the Neuropsychiatric Clinic at the University of Graz, Austria. While working in the asylum he observed patients improving after contracting fevers naturally. From this Wagner-Jauregg hypothesized that his paralyzed patients could benefit from a high fever. But, there was no natural way to test this theory.

The patients that Wagner-Jauregg wanted to treat were suffering from neurosyphilis. The initial symptoms of neurosyphilis included spinal cord damage, ataxia, dementia, and psychosis. As the disease progressed, and the symptoms worsened, it became known as general paralysis of the insane (GPI). GPI is the late manifestation of systemic syphilis, and it accounted for nearly 2500 deaths each year and one fifth of all admissions to mental hospitals. Once patients reached the point of paralysis it was thought that death was imminent.

To test his theory of a fever cure, Wagner-Jauregg infected his patients with malaria which produced a long lasting high fever. This method of consistently producing a fever was a novel treatment option and won Wagner Von Jauregg the Nobel Peace Prize in 1927.

Malaria was not the first infectious disease he tested on his patients. Wagner-Jauregg initially tested streptococci and tuberculin bacteria. He quickly dismissed streptococci as a treatment and noted little to no improvement in the patients. Tuberculin on the other hand proved to be effective in some patients but was risky because others showed no improvement. In most cases, patients treated with tuberculin were only free of symptoms for a year or two, and then they relapsed.

In 1917 Wagner-Jauregg began testing malaria treatment on his patients. The malaria treatments were a success. Patients whose symptoms had recently started were able to be completely cured and return to their normal lives. Unfortunately, patients who had suffered from the symptoms for years showed little response to treatments.

Once Wagner-Jauregg’s patients had recovered from syphilis, they were treated with quinine to treat the malarial infection. The malarial fever treatment to treat syphilis was used by many physicians until the development of penicillin in the 1950’s.

Today, we do what we can to prevent malaria through antimalarial medication and treat infections like neurosyphilis with antibiotics. But, that’s just the start. New vaccines and other development allow us to live happy and healthy lives.

Are your vaccinations up-to-date? Planning a trip? Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Written for Passport Health by Brittany Evans. Brittany is a freelance writer and photographer in North Carolina. She has a passion for the outdoors, health information, and traveling. You can find her at her website.

We have all heard of the infamous COVID-19 parties. Most of these gatherings were put together in order for individuals to train their immune systems to fight off the infection through exposure. One could say that they were organized immunization parties.

Organized exposure to an infectious disease in order to build immunity is a dangerous idea. Let’s discuss why you shouldn’t get a disease on purpose and what you can do instead to protect yourself.

Isn’t That How Vaccines Work?

While it seems logical to get a disease on purpose in order to teach the immune system how to recognize and fight against it in the future, the actual process isn’t that straightforward. But, isn’t that how vaccines work? Not quite. Vaccines are created by using weakened or inactivated preparations of a pathogen. These preparations are then introduced into the body systematically to provide protection.

When you expose yourself to a disease on purpose through intentional association with infected individuals, you are not taking in a weakened or inactivated form of the pathogen that causes the disease. You’re taking in the fully virulent and dangerous form of the pathogen. As a result, you and those around you may suffer some very dangerous consequences.

Dangers of Intentional Infection

Everyone’s immune system is different. Our current health, lifestyle, age, upbringing and natural exposure all impact the strength of our immune systems. If you intentionally get infected with a disease, your immune system actually may not be able to handle it and you may suffer long term complications.

For example, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is highly infectious but relatively weak compared to previous stains of the virus. However, some medical professionals say that it is still possible to suffer some of the long term effects that were seen with the alpha (initial) strain of COVID-19. Intentionally getting infected with Omicron in order to acquire immunity could lead to long term respiratory complications, similar to complications that resulted from the alpha strain.

The people in your community may have weaker immune systems than you. If you choose to get a disease on purpose, you may tolerate the sickness well and develop the desired immunity. However, you will most likely infect others in the community. Those around you might be elderly or immunocompromised and may not be able to fight off the infection. Your choice of intentional infection might lead to someone else’s hospitalization or even death.

A Better Alternative

A much better alternative to intentionally getting a disease is to get vaccinated. Many infectious diseases have vaccines that can be taken to prevent illness. For example, the virus that causes COVID-19 has a very safe and effective vaccine as well as booster doses to help maintain immunity. These vaccines are safer than natural exposure to the virus and will help keep you and your community safe.

Passport Health offers a variety of vaccines to help you stay healthy at home and abroad. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Ese Agboh is a student nurse who wants to specialize in pediatric nursing and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys reading and writing articles related to medicine and the pathophysiology of communicable diseases. Ese currently lives and studies on the east coast of the United States.

There is something inherently special about traveling. From the amazing sights that you will see to the people, you spend it with, even down to the delicious foods you will taste, traveling is all about making memories. Traveling can actually boost your mental health in a variety of ways.

Boosting Your Creativity

When you are immersed and surrounded by brand new cultures, sights, sounds, and smells, you will find your mind more open to new things. It also can boost your creativity. Just think of all the incredible pictures that you can take or the people that you can sketch. All of those activities can give you that mental lift that you need.

It Boosts Happiness

Even the thought of mapping out a trip is enthralling to think about, and that makes all the tasks that go with the planning go that much easier. Just thinking about it can give your brain a boost. A study that was done at Cornell University actually found that the anticipation of the trip is comparable, if not more exciting than purchasing a new car. Even before you go on your trip, it’s making you happy.

It’s Self Care

When you come to think about it, traveling is actually an excellent form of self-care. Not only do you get to visit the destination of your dreams, but you have the freedom to do whatever you wish, even if that is staying in and reading a good book. It’s all about what’s good for you. It helps you to rest, relax, and live in the moment.

Connect With Nature

Surrounded by the beautiful flora and fauna that the area you chose has to offer is a great way to well, basically, “stop and smell the roses.” It gives us moments and beautiful settings that we can practice mindfulness in. Taking the time to breathe in that fresh air and just enjoy it is something special, especially if you are connecting with nature. That can be done through things like taking hikes, foraging for food, searching for buried treasure with your child, really anything can connect you with nature.

Increase In Physical Activity

We all know that when we are out walking or exercising, we are doing good for our physical health, but did you know that helps with mental health as well? Even just walking around the city can release dopamine levels, which in turn make us happy. So, definitely get in some physical activity where you can, whether it’s climbing stairs or taking a hike.

Planning a trip? Make sure you can fully enjoy it with vaccines and travel health advice from Passport Health. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.

Jennifer Passmore is a stay-at-home mom, writer and beader. She loves creating art with her words and through her jewelry. She is also a passionate mental health advocate. You can find more writing at her website Positivity In Pain.