On Healthy Living

Of course today is the first day of summer in the northern hemisphere, and it always bears repeating that there are some things you can do to have a healthy, happy summer.

• Wear sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, even when you’re not planning to be outside very long, wear at least SPF 15 sunscreen. If you’re planning a day out of the house, opt for at least SPF 30 and a waterproof or active formula. Reapply every three hours or so.
• Hydrate. It’s hot out there, and easy to get dehydrated quickly. The situation can turn from unpleasant to deadly very quickly, so have water with you at all times and drink at least a cup an hour, more if you’re in direct sunlight or doing something physical.
• Wear cool clothes. Light colors, drapey fabrics and items with built-in sun protection are your best bets. Wear long pants if you’re going to be somewhere with ticks, and wear a hat to protect your face.
• Shade your eyes. Sunglasses should have UV protection and you should wear them whenever you’re outside: gardening, driving your car or on a day at the beach. This is the best thing you can do to protect your eyes now and for the future.
• Take breaks. If you ahve to work outside, take frequent breaks to rehydrate and sit somewhere cool. Resting just five or ten minutes an hour can make a big difference in the way you feel.
• Practice picnic safety. Keep food cool while you’re not eating, keep it in the coolers as long as possible and don’t save any meat, egg or mayonaise-based dishes that have been left out more than two hours.
• Safety first. Don’t drive or operate a boat while drinking. Keep an eye on the kids. Have enough life jackets for everyone. Keep a first aid kit handy.

Summer is full of a lot of fun activities, and with a little pre-planning and mindfulness you won’t have to worry about a thing. Get out there, have fun, be safe and healthy!

Sarah White wrote this on June 21st, 2005 and filed it under Healthy Living, Healthy Eating, Women's Health, Men's Health |