Most people think about the cold winter months as a season when you are most likely going to risk your health. That said, the hot summer months can also prove to be risky. If you are committed to your fitness, wellness, and good health, these five ways to stay healthy this summer are for you.
Summer Health Challenges
Sticking with a fitness routine during the summer can be one of the challenges you have to deal with. For example, if running or even walking is part of your fitness routine to stay healthy, you may have to make time adjustments to your fitness routine. The summer heat can be very dangerous to run or even walk for too long if you don’t schedule your fitness routine for the right time of day.
The heat is not the only health risk that you will need to be aware of. This time of year, insects are at their busiest. Most people do not realize that they have a “sting” allergy until after they are stung. Some dangerous plants are also blooming this time of year that can cause skin issues.
Make Some Changes to Your Fitness Routine
Running in the summer heat can be dangerous. Instead of running for your cardio exercise, consider bicycling as a safer alternative. Most people who use bicycles as part of their fitness routine, typically pedal at a rate of 12-16 mph. You can burn as many calories as running, and get some great leg workouts. Bicycling offers a great low-impact opportunity to keep up with your fitness and enjoy the summer sunshine without the risk of serious dehydration.
As mentioned, you can keep running or walking, but you will need to do it either earlier in the day or later in the evening to protect yourself from the heat. Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps are all big factors in the summer when you are exerting yourself. Keeping water with you at all times can help.
Be Aware of Medication Risks
There are some medications that will come with a warning to avoid direct sunlight. Be sure to heed that warning. Medications that break down melatonin as a side effect will have a warning label that advises you to stay out of the sun because you are more prone to serious sunburn when you take these medicines.
It is not only pharmaceuticals that you should watch out for. Supplements like vitamins, amino acids, herbs, and minerals (according to the FDA, any formula containing any of the foregoing is considered dietary supplements) can also have direct sunlight dangerous side effects. Read the labels completely before you take the supplement and always follow directions and respect the warnings.
Keep Up With Medical Appointments
Summertime can be a footloose and fancy-free time, but you still have to ensure your fitness, wellness, and health. Keep up with your health care appointments. Don’t put them off until the fall or you could wind up with problems. This is true of vision appointments, physical health appointments, and dental appointments. For example, about 47.2% of adults over the age of 30 have some form of gum or periodontal disease and are not aware. Keeping up with your health care will ensure that you are doing all you can to stay healthy from head to toe.
Protect Yourself From Insect Bites
Insect bites are nothing to mess with. Mosquitos and other biting insects carry transmittable diseases. Whether you are outdoors getting some fitness work done or you are cooking on the grill, use an insect repellant to keep the bugs off of you. The best defense against bug bites is to keep yourself from looking like a potential snack.
Do not wear cologne or perfume during the summer months when you plan to spend some time outdoors. The fragrance will put biting insects on high alert. Keep grass mowed low to prevent providing shelter and nesting areas for biting insects. Remove any standing water that can be a breeding ground for mosquitos.
Please Wear Sunblock
The sun feels wonderful, but it is chock-full of danger for your skin. Wear sunblock. Make applying sunblock a part of your everyday routine. Slather on sunblock before you start your outdoor fitness routine, put it on when you are working outdoors in your garden, and put on sunblock especially when you are headed for a fun day in the sun. Skin cancer affects millions of people every year, and it can be prevented by simply wearing sunblock.
Have fun this summer, stay healthy, and continue on your quest for fitness, wellness, and good health. Use these tips to help carry you through the warmer months!