Now that summer is here, you may be wondering how you can stay healthy while making the most of the season. The scorching temperatures that come with summer in Alabama present their own challenges to your overall health and well-being. That’s why the family physicians at UAB Medical West have compiled a list of tips to help you beat the heat and stay healthy this season.
Essential Summer Health Tips
There’s a lot of advice out there about how to stay safe and healthy during summer heat waves. Below, we share five proven tips to keep you feeling cool and comfortable all season long.
1. Stay Hydrated
You know that you need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. In the summer heat, doing so is even more critical, as the risk of dehydration is higher, especially for children and older adults. For optimal health, it is recommended that healthy adults consume 9-13 cups of water per day.
If drinking that much water seems challenging, you can also consume hydrating foods. These water-rich fruits and vegetables, like leafy greens, cucumbers, bell peppers, summer squash, celery, berries, and melons, can comprise up to 20% of your daily water intake.
2. Use Sunscreen
You want to get out and enjoy the beautiful summer weather. However, spending too much time in the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Using sunscreen provides your skin with the protection it needs while enjoying the outdoors.
We recommend using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and reapplying every two hours or so to maximize its protective benefits. If you have fairer skin or a higher personal risk of skin cancer, a stronger SPF level may be recommended.
3. Exercise Safely
Exercise is a great way to maintain your fitness and overall well-being. However, too much exercise, especially during a summer heat wave, can be more harmful than helpful. Exercising in the heat can put additional stress on your body, especially your cardiovascular system.
During the summer months, early morning or late evening are cooler and safer times to exercise. Regardless of when you choose to exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise sessions as your body adapts to the heat.
4. Dress for the Season
Along with your diet and exercise, what you wear during the summer months can impact your health. Lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing helps to keep your body cool and allows you to sweat more efficiently.
For greater protection from the sun, a wide-brimmed hat can shield your face from direct sunlight. However, you should still wear sunscreen to further protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.
5. Schedule a Regular Check-up
During the summer, life slows down, especially if you have children. This slower pace of life makes for a great time to schedule regular check-ups with your family doctor. A summer wellness visit is a great way to help children and teenagers prepare to go back to school in the fall.
If you’re planning on vacationing abroad this season, you can use your check-up as an opportunity to catch up on any vaccines you may need to enter the country you’re traveling to. Your physician can help you determine your travel health needs and how to best meet them.
Stay Healthy This Summer with UAB Medical West
Make the most of this summer by taking steps to stay on top of your health. With the help of the family physicians at UAB Medical West, you can stay healthy all season long. If you want to learn how to maintain your health this summer, check out our many patient resources containing a variety of wellness tips for people of all ages.
Schedule Your Summer Wellness Exam at UAB Medical West
Taking care of your health is a year-long venture. This summer, call on the family physicians at UAB Medical West to help you stay healthy. To get started, contact us to schedule a wellness exam at one of our health centers today.