Top tips for keeping healthy and well this summer
Summer is the season for outdoor fun, BBQ’s and relaxation. But with higher temperatures and stronger sun rays it can also pose some serious health threats if the proper precautionary measures are not taken.
See below top tips for keeping healthy and well this summer:
1. Keep your cool
Keeping your body temperature under control this summer is key to keeping healthy and well. Follow below as an easy guide:
Drink cold drinks and eat smaller cold meals such as salads and fruit.
Wear light coloured, loose fitting clothes made from natural fibres like cotton.
If you must go outside, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.
Plan your day around the heat – avoid being outdoors between 11am and 5pm.
Put wet towels or cool packs on your arms or neck or put your feet in cool water.
Take cool showers or baths.
Minimise physical activity, do all household chores early in the morning when it is coolest.
2. Drink plenty of H20
It’s important to keep well hydrated, especially in the hotter summer months. Drinking the recommended eight to ten glasses of water a day can help prevent illness, keep your bones and muscles healthy, help you maintain your weight, improve brain function and best of all, fuel your activities throughout the day!
Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty – check the colour of your wee – if it’s pale, you’re drinking enough. Go easy on alcoholic drinks and tea and coffee as they are more likely to dehydrate you. If you go outside, carry a bottle of water with you and keep your fridge stocked with cold water and ice.
3. Slip, slop, slap
Everyone, young and old, should wear sunscreen when outdoors.
Most of us love the summer heat, but it is important to stay in the shade whenever possible. Try to limit your time in the direct sunshine between 10am and 4pm, when UV exposure is at its peak. If you are going to be outside, be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure. It is also a good idea to wear a hat and sunglasses whenever possible.
Have you had a skin check recently? Dr Kemp does skin checks and procedures on Thursdays, book now!
4. Keep your food safe
Make sure food that needs refrigeration is properly stored (the temperature in the fridge should be between 0°C and 5°C). Defrost foods in the fridge, not on the kitchen bench. For more information about keeping food safe please refer to the NSW Food Authority.
If your fridge and freezer is affected by a power failure, please refer to the NSW Food Authority.
Read more tips here
5. Stay active
Remember summer exercise doesn’t have to stop because of the rising temperatures. Instead of exercising outside, change your exercise plan and take it indoors or to the pool. Join a gym, take up an activity class, or get a group of friends around for a walk in the cooler evening.
Make sure to drink even more water than usual when exercising.
6. See your doctor
If you have any nagging pains or concerns, seeing your doctor is very important. You want to feel your best during the summer months, so you can enjoy all of the pleasure summertime offers. Schedule an appointment for a check-up to make sure illness doesn’t impact you this summer.
If you follow these easy tips, there's no reason you can't have an enjoyable and fun-filled summer. Enjoy!
