As the weather warms up and the days become longer, what better time than summer to get outdoors and be active, try new activities, and taste delicious and fresh seasonal produce?
Keep reading to learn our top summer health tips!
Eat Fresh
Take advantage of the plethora of fresh fruit and vegetables available in the summer, and add some color to your plate. Weekends spent perusing your local farmers market make great memories, get your family out of the house and off of their electronics, and allows you to sample local produce. Aim to try at least one new thing from your farmer’s market each week and watch your palate — and health expand. The Department of Agriculture publishes a Seasonal Produce Guide to help you pick healthy foods at their peak. A simple Google search will provide you with endless recipe options to test out seasonal produce until you find a new family-favorite summer recipe or a few!
Keep Cool
Summer days are best spent outdoors. But, be careful! Try to get your outdoor activities done in the early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day. Always make sure you are hydrated and carry water and sports drinks with you when you know you will be outdoors for a long time. But, don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Drinking frequently will help your body sweat and effectively cool you down and keep you from becoming dehydrated.
Don’t Forget the SPF
SPF is paramount during the summer months, even if you think you don’t need it. Make applying SPF part of your daily routine to ensure you are never left uncovered and to prevent a skin-damaging and potentially cancer-causing sunburn. Don’t forget to reapply either — aim for every 30 minutes when swimming or doing high-sweat activities, and once every hour for more leisurely activities. Don’t forget to protect your peepers with sunglasses and a wide-brim hat.
Be Safe on the Water
What’s summer without taking a dip to cool down? Just make sure you’re doing it safely. Drownings can happen in the blink of an eye, so it’s important to make sure there’s always a designated adult to watch kids around water. If you have a pool in your backyard, the CDC recommended securing it with a complete fence, teaching your kids how to swim, and learning CPR just in case something were to happen. If you have younger kiddos, it’s especially important that you pay close attention to them around water at all times. Kidshealth.org says that a child can drown in only two inches of water.
Bug Off!
Don’t let bugs take a bite out of your summer fun. The CDC recommends using insect repellent that contains DEET for the ultimate protection from mosquito and other bug bites. It’s important to check yourself and your kids for ticks after spending long periods of time outdoors, especially in the woods.
Summer Health Tips to Make it a Great One
Summer is a fun and magical time, so don’t let safety blunders ruin any of the special moments, and follow our summer safety tips to make memories with the peace of mind knowing your family is staying safe.
Do you want to take greater control of your health and healthcare journey? Download our free guide – 7 Questions to Ask Yourself When Facing a Serious Healthcare Problem – to learn more.
