Staying Healthy in the Summer

For many, the summer months are a time to slow down the pace, reflect upon chillier times, and enjoy the balmy outdoors. You may be planning a vacation or relishing in a lack of schedule, and the last thing you want is to be taken off guard by sickness. The key to staying healthy and making this the best summer yet are understanding what your body needs to stay healthy, knowing how to tackle whatever it is you may come down with, and realizing that only you can ensure your long-term health. 

Soak Up (Some) Sun

Whether you think that a healthy glow is your best summer accessory or you love being complimented on your summertime freckles, any (and especially excessive) sun exposure can ultimately present a risk to your long-term health. One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in his or her lifetime, so be sure to use adequate SPF. Opt for a foundation with sun protection, learn to love sun hats, and invest in self-tanners and bronzers that will help you achieve the glow that you crave. Your skin will thank you in the long run! Keep an aloe plant in the kitchen for those times of accidental overexposure. 

Make it a Fruitful Summer

Craving fruit this summer? We all do, and it’s important to listen to your body. Experts recommend four servings of fruit a day and in the summer when you’re on the go and less hydrated than normal, the water content and micronutrients that most fruits are loaded with can do a body good. Keeping your immune system strong and ready for anything is arguably the best way to ensure optimal health, and vitamin-packed fruits are a delicious way to do so. Keep a fruit salad in the fridge with vitamin C-packed, low-sugar grapefruit, antioxidant-rich berries, and hydrating watermelon. If you’re finding it difficult to fit all of your servings in daily, start your day with a refreshing smoothie or a cold-pressed fruit juice––those count, too!

Hydrate the Right Way

Lounging poolside with fresh sangria, chatting with friends over artisan cocktails at a hot new patio bar, or drinking a piña colada on your long-awaited vacation… There’s no question alcohol is all around during the summer. While sipping on something cold feels thirst-quenching, it’s important to remember alcohol is the opposite of hydrating and that every drink should be followed by a glass of water to restore the body to normal levels of hydration. It’s a good idea to keep a cold canteen of water with you at all times, as dehydration can strike at any point of a hot summer day (even in the absence of exercise) and to not let yourself get to any level of severe thirst to avoid health risks associated with dehydration. For added health benefits, infuse your water with fruit, make a healthy lemonade with agave and fresh-squeezed lemon juice, or revamp your hydration routine with electrolyte-rich (and delicious) coconut water.  

Close the Shades

Long summer days, hot summer nights, and an energized you make for much less shut-eye in the summer. During the summer, the sun rises a bit earlier and sets later, and that sun creeping through your window is likely to wake you up earlier as well. Sleep is another key factor in healthy immune function. Make about eight solid hours of sleep a priority and––if this is unrealistic for you––find a hammock and take an indulgent summer catnap. Doctor’s orders! 

Keep the Bugs at Bay… The Right Way

Summer is the perfect time to show some skin, but exposure to bugs like bees, wasps, and mosquitos can be harmful to your health. Unfortunately, most bug sprays, a summer necessity, are loaded with toxic chemicals. It’s old news that neurotoxins like DEET should be avoided at all costs, but you may be surprised at how little you know about the lengthy list of ingredients on the back of your OFF! brand insect repellent. To keep your family, your pets, and yourself safe from harmful chemicals, create your own simple bug repellent at home by mixing water and witch hazel in a 1:1 ratio and adding your choice of essential oils. You’ll feel great having some control over what enters your home environment, and you won’t smell like a toxic waste dump. 

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