As the days become longer and summertime kicks off, it’s important to continue caring for your overall wellness. During the warmer months, families tend to get busier, and it can be easy to forget to take care of yourself. But being healthy means prioritizing taking care of your body year-round!
Here are 7 of our top tips for staying healthy during summer.
1. Stay hydrated
Sweating can cause you to lose up to 40% of your body’s water, so staying hydrated in the summer heat is especially important. Aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day.
If you don’t like the taste of plain water, try adding different flavors to encourage water consumption. Some great options include berries, melons, cucumbers, mint, and pineapple — just slice what you’d like to add, let the flavor steep, and enjoy.
While drinking water is important, there are additional ways to stay hydrated. Eating water-rich foods like watermelon, cantaloupe, or cucumbers can also help your body maintain healthy hydration levels.
2. Get some vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that’s responsible for healthy bone and muscle development, the immune system, and more. Maintaining healthy vitamin D levels can also help improve your mood.
Spending time in the sun helps your body naturally produce more vitamin D. Doctors often recommend getting at least 10-30 minutes of sunlight a few times a week to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
Even if you’re not into long hikes or spending time at the beach, there are ways for you to get outdoors and raise your vitamin D levels. Try walking some local trails or attending outdoor community events, like farmer’s markets, to reap the benefits of sunlight.
Summer is also a great time to try a new activity or spend time doing an old one. Whether you enjoy swimming, pickup basketball games, or pickleball, gather your friends and get some vitamin D.
3. Practice sun safety
Spending time in the sun brings benefits like improved sleep, improved mental health, and a better immune system. However, sun exposure can also cause sunburns, sun poisoning, or overheating.
If you’re spending more time in the sun, it’s important to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are some ways to practice sun safety:
- Wear a hat that provides sun protection for your scalp, face, and neck.
- Take regular breaks in the shade or indoors.
- Wear long, lightweight clothing that will protect your skin.
- Use sunglasses to protect your eyes, and never look directly into the sun. Try to find glasses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation.
- Use sunscreen with at least 30-SPF protection or higher. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if swimming.
4. Enjoy healthy seasonal foods
Summertime brings an abundance of delicious, healthy fruits and vegetables. Each summertime fruit and vegetable has some form of health benefits. For example, berries are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and core nutrients.
Try incorporating seasonal produce like berries, watermelon, cucumbers, and leafy greens into your diet. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be expensive, either. Often, shopping for seasonal produce can help cut back on your grocery bill.
5. Get a yearly physical
Annual physicals are one of the best ways to take a proactive approach to your health. With school out of session, summer is a great time to schedule one for you and your family.
During an annual physical, your doctor will get a baseline for your overall health. You can also share any specific health concerns with your doctor. At the end of the exam, you’ll have a comprehensive overview of your overall wellness, as well as steps you can take to improve your health.
If you’ve got kids, making sure they’re up to date on their shots before school starts back up is also a must! Typically, if they participate in any sports, they’ll need an annual physical anyway.
6. Take care of your mental health
Taking care of your mental health is a year-round task, and it’s just as important during summer.
There are many different ways to reduce stress. Mindfulness techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga can help promote relaxation. Reading a book or taking a short walk can also help reduce stress and anxiety.
Making time for activities that you enjoy is also a great way to prioritize your mental health. Whether you enjoy spending time with friends, hiking, or relaxing by a pool, putting your mental health first can help increase your overall health.
Community Access Network is here for you.
Whether you want to schedule an annual physical with one of our experienced physicians or you just want some tips on living healthier this summer, Community Access Network can help.
Regardless of age, income, or insurance status, Community Access Network is here to serve you. We understand that no two people are the same, and our team of qualified providers will work with you to develop a comprehensive, compassionate care plan for you.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers, call us at 434-818-7880. We also offer convenient walk-in services at our 5th Street location.