Everybody loves summer, right?
The sunshine and warm weather can lift our spirits and encourage healthy living. Jogging, gardening, hiking, outdoor swimming… the options are endless with the longer days.
Summer is also an excellent time to remind ourselves about healthy lifestyle choices. So, let’s review how to make the most of the season.
Hydrate Yourself
That’s right – warmer weather means we must be even more vigilant about drinking plenty of water. Among the many benefits: It keeps us cooler.
Getting the right amount of water each day also helps increase our metabolism, which allows us to lose weight and keep it off. Plus, drinking a glass before a meal helps us feel full faster, making us less likely to overeat.
Water is also suitable for digestion, healthy skin, and just about everything related to a healthy body.
Add cucumber slices or fruit to a pitcher for a refreshing, light flavor.
Drink water even when you’re not thirsty. A good rule of thumb is to drink between 1/2 and 1 ounce of water per pound of body weight, according to WebMD.com.
Avoid the Heat
Enjoy your outdoor activities before the hottest part of the day.
For instance, if you like to garden, you should do your digging around breakfast time rather than in the afternoon.
An evening walk or jog can be much more pleasurable than taking one in the hot middle of the day.
Wear Sunscreen and Hats
Too much exposure ages the skin and can lead to skin cancer. Consumer Reports says 61 percent of people over 60 don’t use sunscreen. And skin cancers are up among Baby Boomers.
So, get something with an SPF of 30-50. Look for UVA and UVB protection. Reapply frequently, and don’t be stingy.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends sunscreen and hats, staying in the shade, wearing clothing to the ankles, and wearing a long-sleeved shirt.
For a natural, do-it-yourself sunburn treatment, consider essential oils, such as peppermint, chamomile, tea tree, or lavender, or an oatmeal bath. Men’s Health recommends a spray made from 1 ounce of pure aloe, 1 ounce of coconut oil, 2 ounces of witch hazel, 5 drops of peppermint oil, and 5 drops of lavender oil.
Win the Mosquito Wars
Empty flowerpots, buckets, and other water containers to prevent mosquitoes from breeding. Use outdoor repellents around the yard. Use yellow-hued outdoor light bulbs, as they attract fewer pests.
The CDC recommends using mosquito repellent containing 5 percent to 50 percent DEET to keep bugs off your skin. Others swear by Off! Deep Woods Insect Repellent, Avon Skin So Soft, Repel Tick Defense, and other easily found items.
Enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid too much alcohol, and get plenty of rest.
We’re here to keep you moving – and it’s always safe and plenty cool in here with us!
We help men and women over 50 feel better, look better, and age actively —because our lives aren’t over as we age; in many ways, they’re just beginning!
Join our 21-Day Strength and Longevity program to rediscover everything you’re still capable of!
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If you have any questions, call us at (361-857-5087), and we’ll discuss how we can help you!
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