Summer is here! Here are five tips to make it a healthy one
BY THE BOCA GRANDE HEALTH CLINIC – Sunday, June 20, marked the official start to summer for all of us that live north of the equator. The June solstice is when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year. Are you summer-ready? With the long days of summer comes an abundance of sunshine.
Here are five tips to stay healthy this summer.
1. Get active. Take advantage of the daylight to get in some exercise. The hottest time of the day is around 3 p.m., so try to plan your activities for early in the day.
2. Drink plenty of water – even if you’re not feeling thirsty. On average, a person should have eight 8-ounce glasses (or roughly two liters) of water every day. During the hot summer months, you should drink more water – roughly two-and-a half liters a day.
3. Protect yourself from the sun. No single method of sun defense can provide perfect protection. Be sure to use sunscreen, wear clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor and a hat with a wide brim all the way around to shade your eyes, ears, face and neck. Also wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them. Seek out ways to play in the shade.
4. Eat healthy and light. Summer gives us access to fresh fruits and vegetables that can be used for light, small, frequent meals.
5. Practice safe swimming. Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get in some exercise. Be sure to swim in designated areas where a lifeguard is present, swim with a buddy, keep a close eye on the kiddos, use life jackets when necessary and be on the lookout for rip currents if swimming in the ocean.
Even though summer in Boca Grande can get plenty hot, it’s a great time to get out and have some fun when the crowds are low. We all should be feeling a bit more optimistic this summer than last, so let’s make this summer memorable for all the right reasons.
