While it feels like spring only just started, we aren’t very far away from summertime. For most people, the summer is a time when things slow down a bit. You enjoy longer days in the backyard, use some of your vacation days, and spend time with family and friends. But if you want to make this summer one of the best ever, you have to understand how to approach it in a healthy manner.
4 Healthy Tips to Consider
Bathing suits, farmer’s markets, and lush grass… summertime is all about being healthy and happy. But there are also some hidden dangers lurking in the shadows. It’s important that you recognize these risks. Let’s check out a few practical tips for healthy living this summer.
- Protect Your Skin
The average person doesn’t think about sunscreen on a daily basis. If you’re like most people, you only apply sunscreen when you go to the beach or spend a few hours by the pool. Unfortunately, the sun isn’t partial. It doesn’t matter if you’re at the beach or spending time in the yard, UV rays will find your skin.
Sunny, overcast, hot, or cool – you need to wear sunscreen each day during the summer. Integrate it into your morning routine and find a product that makes you feel comfortable. Additionally, try wearing light coverings when possible. This adds an extra barrier between your skin and the sun.
- Enjoy Summer Produce
One of the best parts about summer is the fresh produce that suddenly starts popping up in supermarkets, farmer’s markets, and backyard gardens. Use this as an opportunity to enhance your diet and enjoy more fruits and veggies.
“My best tip, especially during the summer months is to eat one large meal-sized salad a day,” certified health coach Brittany Mullins says. “Load it up with lots of fresh veggies, a good source of protein, healthy fats and carbs. It’s a great way to enjoy summer produce while getting in a variety of nutrients!”
It’s also a good idea to keep some containers of frozen strawberries, blueberries, and bananas on hand. When you’ve been outside in the heat and are looking for a refreshing snack, these frozen treats will give you a healthier alternative to popsicles, ice cream, and other (sugary) frozen items.
- Stay Hydrated
“Every single cell in the human body needs water to function properly. We need water to regulate our temperature, to cushion and protect joints and organs and to help digestion move smoothly,” health blogger Sarah Klein notes. “Most of us drink at least some water every day, but now that it’s summer and the mercury is rising, it’s important to be more vigilant than ever.”
Drinking water needs to become a habit for you this summer. Carry around a water bottle with you and fill it up as soon as you consume the last sip. Just because you aren’t thirsty doesn’t mean you don’t need to drink. You should be drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day (minimum). If you spend a lot of time outside in the heat, then you may even want to double this number.
- Tune Up Your AC System
As soon as the weather warms up, you’ll want to switch on your air conditioning. The problem is that your AC system may not be as healthy as it is convenient. The indoor portion of your AC unit creates condensation when it runs during the summer. This may lead to mold and mildew growth, which can spread pretty quickly when your system remains dormant over the colder months. When you turn the system back on, the blower will push that nasty air, dust, and mold into your home.
It’s best to get your air ducts cleaned and AC system tuned up prior to use each year. This will ensure your family is breathing in clean air all summer long.
Contact Orion College Today
If healthcare is something that’s always interested you, then maybe this summer is the perfect time to finally take action. At Orion College, we offer a variety of flexible online degree programs and will work with you to develop a plan that fits your busy schedule.
If you want to learn more about what it would look like to pursue a degree in healthcare management or medical assisting, then please contact us today. We’d be happy to discuss the application and admission processes in more detail.