• Strengthen your bones during National Osteoporosis Month: Estimate your usual calcium intake—and then look up which foods will boost your intake the most. Information and a free online calculator are available from the International Osteoporosis Foundation, IOFBoneHealth.org/calcium-calculator.
• Celebrate loved ones: Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 8. Consider inviting mothers who may not have family nearby to your special activities.
• Filter out the sun: The safest clothing fabrics include 100% polyester, shiny poly blends, unbleached cotton, dark denim and bamboo with cotton or Lycra. Sun-protective clothing is available from Coolibar.com, Solartex.com, SunProtectionZone.com and other retailers.
• Get unplugged: May 2 to 8 is Screen-Free Week. Enjoy life without television, mobile games and other digital entertainment. Instead, explore the outdoors, tend the garden or partake in other pretechnology pastimes.
• Travel smarter: Inform banks and credit card issuers of your plans so that unusual transactions do not inactivate your accounts. Airplanes: Liquids in carry-on bags must be in containers of 3.4 ounces or less. Liquid medications (and also breast milk, formula and juice for infants or toddlers) are exempt—but inform the TSA officer before screening begins. Passports: Some countries require that passports be valid for at least six months after you are scheduled to leave. Check regulations at Travel.State.gov (search “US Passports & International Travel,” then click on “Country Information”).
