Why Sam Loves the Beach

Happy Sunday, All!

We hope your weekend has been good to you, and that you've managed to avoid some of the world's problems! Lucky are those who live near nature and, like Samantha, by the sea.

Sam is the hero character from Dr. Rose's book 'Sam Swims with the Sharks', the first book in her 'Don't Tease Me About My Teeth!' series (available in paperback, eBook and video formats), which is a series written especially for kids who are teased about their dental development. While the stories in the series offer ways for children to overcome appearance-based bullying, it is also important for all kids to know that the more time they spend around nature, the healthier they will become.

And so, we've put together a list of eight reasons why visiting the beach can really help kids (and adults, too of course), to become more healthy, more inspired, and generally feel more free for a time.

• Stress Reduction: The sound of waves and the beach environment promote relaxation, lowering cortisol levels and calming the mind.
• Vitamin D Boost: Sun exposure at the beach increases vitamin D production, supporting bone health, immunity, and mood.
• Physical Activity: Activities like swimming, walking, or beach sports provide exercise, improving cardiovascular health and muscle strength.
• Improved Mental Health: Ocean views and natural surroundings can reduce anxiety and depression, enhancing overall mental well-being.
• Better Sleep: Fresh air, physical activity, and relaxation at the beach can improve sleep quality.
• Respiratory Benefits: Breathing in sea air, rich in negative ions, may improve lung function and reduce respiratory issues.
• Skin Health: Seawater contains minerals like magnesium that can hydrate skin and reduce inflammation, benefiting conditions like eczema.
• Grounding Effect: Walking barefoot on sand connects you to the earth, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting a sense of calm.

And so, now that you know this, let's hope there's a beach near you and that you can make some time to go there. If you do, please take some pictures and send them to us, so that we may create a compilation of images and videos that promote health and well-being, on the shores, under the sun.

Here's wishing you a great week ahead!

Sam Swims with the Sharks is the first of the educational stories in the 'Don't Tease Me About My Teeth' series. Little Samantha is tired of being told she has shark teeth. But, after befriending a shark on the beach who shows her how sharks are also often bullied, she stops feeling so alone.

​Sally the shark uses her own oddly-arranged teeth to explain to Samantha the stage she’s going through. She reassures Samantha and shares knowledge that she can use to combat those who tease her. With fun and colorful illustrations, this warm and educational rhyming tale can be read by parents or teachers to children, or by children learning to read.
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Sam Swims With The Sharks