Top Summer Health Tips

Staying healthy in the summer may not be your top priority, but your health in the summertime is just as important as it is during the reason of the year! Thankfully, staying healthy in the summer is not hard as long as you follow these easy and simple summer health tips that will keep you happy (and healthy) all summer long.

Tip #1: Stay hydrated!

This is one of the most important summer health tips that you can follow this summer season. Staying hydrated will help prevent problems such as heat stroke and dehydration, which can potentially lead to serious health problems if left unchecked. Staying hydrated is as simple as remembering to always carry a refillable water bottle with you; remember to pack extra water if you’ll be traveling to the beach or anywhere that involves being outside for a lengthy period of time. If you’ll be camping, make sure you have filters and other ways to purify your drinking water.

Tip #2: Use sunscreen all day, every day

Most people association sunscreen in the summer with heading out to the beach, but as these summer health tips show, you need to wear sunscreen all summer long. Yes, even when you’re just heading to the shopping mall instead of spending all afternoon at the beach. You can get sunburn and UV ray exposure simply by being in the car, so you’ll need to make sure that you apply sunscreen in the morning and then reapply if throughout the day. Make sure that you're using broad spectrum sunscreen for the most protection. And if you go swimming, make sure you are either using waterproof sunscreen or that you reapply it throughout your swimming session and then once again after you get out of the water. If you wear makeup, DON’T forget to put on sunscreen, even if your foundation contains a small amount of SPF.

Tip #3: Wear insect repellent when you're outside, especially around dawn or dusk

Mosquitoes aren't just a nuisance, they're potentially deadly. Mosquitoes can carry a host of diseases with them, including the potentially deadly West Nile virus. The best way to prevent catching this disease is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes in the first place, so you need to make sure you're vigilance about mosquitoes when you're outside. If you're heading outdoors, make sure you (and your younger family members) are wearing some type of insect repellent. If you're heading out around dawn or dusk, which is when mosquitoes are out in droves for feeding, make sure you are wearing insect repellent on any exposed skin, on your clothes (as mosquitoes can bite through fabric) and avoid areas where mosquitoes swarm such as lakes and other bodies of standing water.

Tip #4: Keep up an exercise routine

It can be tempting to skimp on exercise during the summer, especially if it gets warm in your home and you don’t feel like working up a sweat. However, it’s just as important to exercise in the summer as it is during the rest of the year, so you’ll need to keep up a regular exercise regime. If you find yourself getting too hot and sweaty, try placing a fan in your workout area or rub yourself down with ice water to bring your temperature down. You can also try getting your exercise outdoors in the early morning or later in the evening when the temperatures outside are cool enough that you won’t run the risk of heat stroke.

Tip #5: Don’t overindulge in summertime snacks

Summertime is the perfect time to indulge in some delicious summer treats, like fresh ice cream cones from the local ice cream shop or backyard BBQ. But it’s important to make sure that you don’t overindulge in your summertime snacks, as you don’t want to eat too much food that is high in unhealthy fats, sugars and calories. Just make sure that when you’re snacking down on summertime sweets or special foods, you keep everything in moderation. Having an ice cream cone is fine--having 5 in one day is a bit much! Mix up your indulgent summertime treats with healthy snacks such as fresh veggies, fruits, and plenty of cold water. Remember: moderation is key when it comes to keeping your summertime snacks in check.

Tip #6: Indulge in in-season berries

Berries are great for your health and many berries are in-season during the summer months. Berries contain everything from high fiber to essential vitamins to antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of various age related illnesses and even prevent damage to your body's tissue, making them a perfect summertime treat. Blueberries and blackberries are particularly high in antioxidants, so when you want something sweet, reach for some cool blueberries and blackberries this summer. For an added treat, pop them in the freezer for a bit before eating so they’ll be ice-cold.

Tip #7: Practice responsible alcohol drinking 

Summer is a time when many adults breakout the cold alcohol-infused summer drinks, but if you want to stay healthy this summer, make sure you practice responsible alcohol consumption. Don’t drink too much, especially if it’s hot outside. You should also avoid mixing alcohol and water activities such as swimming or boating--around 70% of adult drownings involve alcohol in some capacity, and drinking alcohol greatly increases your chances of making poor decisions. You should also make sure that you are still drinking plenty of water with alcohol, as alcohol an increase dehydration.

Remember: while summertime is the perfect season for indulging in fun outdoor activities and soaking up the sun, you must make sure not to neglect your health. If you follow the above summer health tips during this warm summer season, you are sure to enjoy your summer while staying happy and, above all, healthy all summer long. Enjoy your summer--and don’t forget the sunscreen!