Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

With summer here, there is a lot to do: Barbeques, family picnics, spending a day at the beach or just lounging in your backyard as you read a book.  Unfortunately, too much fun outdoors in the sun can sometimes be dangerous because this is hottest or the warmest season, it’s usually dry and because the air holds more moisture during this time, the humidity is higher.
Due to the Excessive heat, exposure can cause dehydration, sunburn, and food poisoning. So it’s very important to be cautious. Here are some of the tips to stay healthy as you enjoy the sun:

Always Use sunscreen when outdoors
Failure to apply sunscreen can result in a nasty burn.  Not only will be it painful but could also lead to skin cancer. Before you go outdoors, ensure to use sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Use a waterproof sunscreen if you are at the beach or by the poolside. Cover all areas that will be exposed.

Stay Hydrated
Always Carry a bottle of water with you. If you are like me and don’t like the taste of plain water, they are so many brands of sparkling water available at any store you can try, coconut water or add a slice of lemon to your dink. Avoid excessive drinking of alcoholic drinks and soda wile outdoors.

Wear Sunglasses
Keeping your eyes healthy is very important in the summer. Most of us use sunglasses for fashion but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause short- and long-term eye damage. When buying sunglasses, don’t only search for Polarized lenses because they only cut glare, not UV. Look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, so you can keep your vision sharp and eyes healthy.

Eat Healthy
Fresh fruits and vegetables are great options, and many have benefits. Fruits that have a high-water content like watermelons, frozen fruits and Smoothies are a great, and tasty, way to stay hydrated. Vegetables are important part of healthy eating and provide essential vitamins (vitamins A, E and C), nutrients including potassium, fiber, and folic acid.

Exercise
Exercising has been shown to improve your mood and decrease feelings of depression, anxiety and stress, however in hot and humid days can feel overwhelming and can be extremely dangerous due to extreme heat which can raise your heart rate and put you at risk of heart-rated illness. On 80 degree hot days, I choose to exercise in cooler places: it might inside the house or I go to the gym.  If you don’t like the gym or can’t afford it but you want to run or hike outdoors, you should exercise in the cooler temperatures of the early morning or in the evening for your body to cool itself and to stay fully hydrated. 

Get plenty of rest and relax
Getting the correct amount of sleep improves your personal life which will help you enjoy life more.  We know summer nights are late and long but try to make sure you in bed by 10:30pm and for those of us who are late sleepers, I push myself to be in by bed by 11:30 during the week.  Relaxing the mind with mediation helps your mind to focus on things happening in the present moment which is crucial in staying healthy and mentally fit.

Now it’s time to have fun, always pay attention to how your body is handling the higher temperatures. Do not forget to look at the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

 

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One Comment

  1. I am a caregiver for my husband. Thank you for those tricks n tips. I have used some of them. Good to know I am on the right path. Blessings.. Annmarie Willi Koerlin

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