When the summer season arrives, it usually means spending more time outside with your friends and family. You can enjoy picnics, swimming, and the kids being out of school. There are some tips that you can keep in mind so that you have an exciting summer while staying safe and healthy as well.
Staying active is important at all times during the year, but it’s a little easier to get everyone in your family involved and to get outside in the summer. However, you need to make sure you protect yourself so that you don’t get too hot when you’re outdoors, especially if you’re going to be out in the intense heat of the day.
Try to exercise either in the morning or in the evening. These are the cooler times during the day when you’re less likely to get overheated. Go to a gym or another indoor facility if it’s too hot to exercise outdoors.
Make sure you drink plenty of water in the summer. You need to keep your body hydrated so that you can sweat when you’re outside as sweating will help to keep you cool. When you’re exercising or just doing simple tasks outside, wear clothing that’s lightweight and that is light-colored. This will help to keep your skin free, making it easier for sweat to evaporate.
Try to get everyone in your family involved with exercising in the summer. Even if you go to the park to play with your kids, it’s still a form of exercise that will mean moving around while they are out of school during the summer. Keep track of how many steps everyone takes by getting a pedometer (aka fitbit or other step tracking devices). Make exercising fun for everyone with dance competitions and games. Take a vacation that involves some kind of activity. It could be a trip to the mountains where you can go hiking or to the coast where you can go scuba diving.
During the summer months, you often see more fruits and vegetables as this is a time when foods are harvested from gardens. This is a time of the year when salads and different types of melons are often paired with grilled foods. Keep the foods that you prepare clean and safe so that you don’t get sick.
All utensils and surfaces need to be cleaned before and after they are used. You also need to make sure all hands are washed since you’re likely spending more time outside. If you prepare foods the day that they are going to be served, then there will be less time for bacteria to form. All fruits and vegetables should be washed before they are cut and consumed or used in recipes. Any recipes that have mayonnaise in them need to be kept refrigerated or kept in a cooler with ice or ice packs. Anything left out over two or three hours should be thrown away.
If you’re grilling, try to use chicken and fresh vegetables instead of a lot of red meats. Use one set of plates and utensils for raw foods and one set for those that have been cooked. Use a thermometer to ensure that foods are at the proper temperature before they are served.
When you’re outside, wear sunblock to protect your skin. Provide yourself with shade by wearing a hat or a coverup, especially if you have fair skin. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible while enjoying time outdoors.
Finally, in the event on an emergency, know that Sacred Heart Emergency Center in Houston, TX is always open to take care of you and your loved ones.