5 Wellness Tips for the Summer

Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but taking care of your health and well-being is essential! Here are five wellness tips for the summer to keep you healthy:

1. Stay hydrated

Summer heat can quickly cause dehydration, so knowing the signs and symptoms is important. Dry and itchy skin, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and muscle cramps are all common symptoms of dehydration.

Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily, and drink more if you’re physically active or sweating. You could add a few simple ingredients to infuse your water to encourage you to drink more water than usual.  Limes, lemons, mint, oranges, berries, cucumbers, and other fruits improve the taste without artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Also, it doesn’t hurt that many are in season over the summer!

Coconut water is one way to naturally replenish your electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium. You can even eat your hydration by enjoying foods with a high water content, like cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, and watermelon!

2. Practice sun safety

Spending time in the sun unprotected can cause skin damage and increase your risk of skin cancer.

It is crucial to protect yourself from the UV rays all year round but especially during the summer when the UV index is often the highest.

Take breaks in the shade when you can, choose clothing certified to offer UV protection when possible, wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck, and choose sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

Of course, wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen is important. So, choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, and be sure to reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

Always check the sunscreen’s expiration date, as most sunscreens have a shelf life of no more than three years, often shorter if exposed to high temperatures.

3. Stay active

Regular physical activity is vital for your health and well-being.

Most days of the week, try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Rest and recovery are also quite important. Summer can be a busy time, and getting enough sleep to stay healthy and energetic can look different for everyone but aim to get seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

4. Eat a healthy diet

A balanced diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, which can help nourish your body and keep you healthy.

Luckily, summer offers an abundance of fresh seasonal produce, so check out a local farmers’ market to try something new!

Try to limit or avoid processed foods and sugary drinks, and opt for water, unsweetened tea, or other healthy beverages. Everything should be taken in moderation, focusing on addition and not restriction. So, you can still enjoy a few seasonal treats, such as homemade ice cream, along the way too.

5. Consider an annual physical or wellness check

You don’t have to be sick to check in with a medical professional.

A physical exam can be an excellent time to ask questions about your health or discuss any changes or problems you have noticed. If you’re traveling this summer, you may require vaccinations to keep you healthy and protected.

A 24 hour urgent care center can be a convenient and accessible option for a quick check-up or vaccination.

It is important to note that annual physicals generally involve more comprehensive medical evaluation and lab tests. A wellness exam is a routine check-in where a professional will check your vitals, like blood pressure and weight, and discuss issues that might concern you.

You can address any necessary changes with either exam and meet your health goals.

The bottom line

Summer is a time to enjoy yourself, but taking care of your health and well-being is also essential.

By following these five wellness tips, you can stay healthy and have a great summer!