Summer is all about fun, but it’s also important to prioritize overall health and wellness as you indulge in travel and outside time during the warmest months of the year. Here are some summer wellness tips and preventive care suggestions to keep you feeling good and loving life while safely enjoying this special time of year.
1. Get some sun (but not too much).
Vitamin D is produced by the body naturally when you are exposed to direct sunlight. This nutrient is essential for bone health, the immune system, and brain health, but too much exposure to the sun’s rays can lead to skin cancer. You can say you’re getting your vitamin D by spending hours on the beach, but sun exposure, especially in such big quantities, should never occur without sun protection. Buy sunscreen, use sunscreen, reapply sunscreen, and invest in clothing or swimwear with UV coverage
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
It’s possible to lose multiple quarts of water from your body during intense activities like hiking or running in the summer. This puts you at serious risk of dehydration. No matter how aggressive or low-key your outdoor activities are in the hottest months, you need to hydrate throughout to stay feeling good and save yourself from illness. Proper hydration delivers oxygen and nutrients to the cells and regulates body temp, so drink water and then drink some more, hydrating all day.
3. Develop heat awareness.
The heat of this summer is breaking records and putting many people in danger of developing heatstroke, dehydration, and other serious heat-related illnesses. If you have a smartphone, you’ve received warnings about high temps and keeping safe – honor these announcements. Limit time outdoors and plan indoor activities, make sure you take regular breaks from the heat especially if you work outside.
4. Enjoy summer foods.
Summer delivers plentiful seasonal foods like berries, corn on the cob, and other fresh treats found at the farmers’ market. Take time to buy your favorites, try some new items, and see what kind of healthy, delicious dishes you can serve up for your family as you gather after busy (or lazy) days. Take your veggies to the grill for kebabs or as accompaniments to your favorite proteins, and choose foods that make your gut happy.
5. Rely on preventive care from your doctor.
Enjoying the outdoors in summer – or any time of year – can relax you, lower your cortisol levels and blood pressure, reduce muscle tension, and improve mental health. Enjoy days with lower temps and, no matter when you go outside, keep your skin safely covered with sunscreen or clothing.
I love summer and want to help you find ways to enjoy it too, especially if you are managing a chronic illness or autoimmune disease. Contact me, Dr. Maria Swetech, to develop a wellness plan that suits your preferences. Schedule an appointment to get started.
Nothing in this blog is official medical advice. See your doctor for customized care.
