Health Promotion Tips for the Summer

Summertime means longer days and time at the beach, or the pool, and outdoor
cookouts. But while these activities are fun, they also put you at risk for sunburn,
dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other problems. To stay safe this summer, follow
these simple steps to avoid the most common health risks associated with the warmer
months.

Eating healthy foods and drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and energized
throughout the day. Getting adequate rest will allow you to recover from any
strenuous activity. This includes having an afternoon siesta!

Eat Right.

Eating well and drinking plenty of water will keep you healthy during the hot summer
months. Make sure you eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, and limit
sugary drinks. Did you know that fruits and vegetables can be a great source of water!

Water is essential for life. It helps regulate body temperature, provides nutrients, and keeps our skin healthy. If you’re thirsty, drink more water, before indulging in anything else.

Eating well and drinking plenty of water are two of the easiest ways to keep yourself
healthy during the summer. If you are trying new foods, start slowly, start by adding one new recipe each week until you find something you really enjoy.

Try to avoid skipping meals and snacks, especially when you’re trying to lose weight.
Staying hydrated will also help you maintain your weight and your good eating habits.

Exercise Regularly.

If you’re looking to stay fit during the summer months, consider outdoor activities.
Hiking, cycling, running or walking outside as often as possible means enjoying the
season while staying active.

Sometimes staying fit during the summer months can seem harder. There are more
things to fit in or it simply feels too hot. The key is to try to keep exercising regularly. A
a study published in the Journal of Clinical Epidemiology found that people who exercise at
least three times per week were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who
exercised only once per week.

If you can’t take the heat, exercise first thing in the morning. Maintaining activity even if
it is not your regular routine makes all the difference to your health. This includes
mental health. A new study shows that 150 minutes of walking a week improves
depression scores in men.

Sleep Well.

Make sure you get adequate rest each night. 7-9 hours is the optimal time for getting all
the health benefits from sleep. Try to keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.

Have a regular sleep routine, get to bed and wake up at a regular time. Remove
electronic devices from the bedroom to improve your sleep quality.

Protect yourself.

When you are outside make sure you wear sunscreen and protective clothing. There are
lots of great fabrics that help keep you cooler and protect you from the sun.

It’s easy to let yourself fall into bad habits when the sun starts shining and the temperatures
start rising.

To keep your body healthy and happy, remember these simple tips:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Exercise regularly.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Wear sunscreen and a hat.

Stay and healthy fit for the summer,

Shayla