Wellness Update: Summer Health Tips
The weather is warming up, the sun is shining brighter, the days are getting longer. Summer is just around the corner! With that in mind, it’s time to review the important steps you should take to stay healthy, safe and happy this summer — in and out of the sun.
Fun in the sun? Wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. Whether you’re on the beach, on the lake or in the city, be prepared for the sun. Wear a hat that covers as much of your skin as possible. A baseball cap provides protection for the face, but a hat with a brim all the way around will shield your neck, face and ears. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful UV radiation, so be sure to wear a pair that blocks (polarized sunglasses are best.)
Just as important, don’t forget to wear sunblock — even on a cloudy or overcast day. Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 before going outside. When you’re outside, try to remain in areas where optimal shade is available. Even when you spend time in the shade, always wear sunscreen to ensure protection from the sun’s rays.
Stay hydrated. When the sun is blazing, it’s critical to drink, drink and drink some more. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to hydrate your body. While water is ideal for your health, any nonalcoholic beverage can help keep you hydrated. When you’re active or exercising outdoors, you should be even more careful about your water intake, drinking substantial quantities about every 20 minutes.
Keep your food safe. Summertime is the peak season for foodborne illnesses. Consider the following to keep food safety a priority:
- Never leave perishable food in the sun or heat for more than two hours.
- Pack your food in an insulated cooler with ice packs.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables, and wash your knives and other utensils thoroughly between uses.
- Wash your hands often, especially after handling raw meat, and clean all prep surfaces thoroughly.
- Cook meat to the correct temperature.
- Clean grill grates and barbecues with soapy water before using them.
Get better rest. Long summer days may mean you stay up later than usual, and hot, sticky weather can also prevent you from sleeping well. Make your bedroom summer-friendly by keeping yourself cool with a fan or an open window, hanging light-blocking curtains and preparing for sleep by putting away your phone and reading a few pages of a good book.
Planning ahead can help you have safe and healthy fun in the sun and pleasant rest in between. Happy summer!