With the arrival of summer and the halfway point of the year, it’s the perfect time to kickstart your health and wellness goals and New Year’s resolutions you may have created at the beginning of the year. As the days get longer and the temperatures get warmer, it’s also easier to get outside and stay active, another reason to jumpstart your health goals again.
The summer season brings joy, warmth, and endless opportunities for families to enjoy quality time together. Taking a small amount of time to plan and educate yourself on how to promote your family’s wellness during the summer months can ensure a summer filled with fun, active, and healthy moments. Explore our 6 valuable tips to help your family stay healthy and energized during the summer season.
6 Tips to Help Your Family Stay Healthy During the Summer
Keep Hydrated
As the temperatures rise, it becomes increasingly important to stay properly hydrated. Encourage everyone, especially children, to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Consider carrying reusable water bottles during outings, and infuse water with fruits or herbs to make it more enticing. Be sure to limit sugary drinks, as these can contribute to dehydration! Remember, staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining energy levels, preventing heat-related illnesses, and supporting overall well-being. Don’t forget to include delicious fruits and vegetables as snacks that include a lot of water like cucumbers, oranges, watermelon, pineapple, and more. Read more hydration tips from Avance Care here.
Sun Protection
Sunshine is synonymous with summer, but it’s essential to protect your family’s skin from harmful UV rays! Apply sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30 to all exposed areas, including the face, neck, and arms and legs (and don’t forget the scalp, ears, and feet!). Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating, too. Be sure to wear protective clothing, such as lightweight long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours to reduce exposure and always prioritize sun safety for outdoor activities. Read more here from Colin Gage, PA-C with Avance Care West Cary.
Healthy Eating
Summer is the perfect time to enjoy an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. Visit local farmers’ markets to purchase seasonal produce or if you need a summer project, start growing a garden together! Foods like colorful salads, smoothies, and fruit skewers are perfect for summer, and good for your health. Although it can be easy to buy salty and sugary snacks for days by the pool, try to opt for nutritious alternatives like yogurt, nuts, whole foods, and homemade popsicles. Remember, a well-balanced diet is not only vital for overall health but will also help keep energy levels up and prevent sugar crashes during long days of fun summer activities.
Active Family Time
Make the most of the sunny days by engaging in fun and active family activities! Plan regular outdoor excursions, such as hiking, biking, or swimming, to get everyone moving. Set aside designated family playtime, where you can enjoy games like tag, Frisbee, or soccer. Consider organizing family challenges or obstacle courses to make physical activity exciting. Encourage children to limit screen time and engage in outdoor play to enhance their physical fitness and boost their mood. Plus, the time outside in the Vitamin D will be good for your immune system and boost everyone’s mood!
Prioritize Mental Wellness
After a long school year, summer is an ideal time to prioritize mental well-being and relaxation for the whole family. Encourage open communication and create a safe space for discussing emotions and concerns. Plan activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress, such as picnics in the park, family meditation, or mindfulness exercises. Ensure that children have enough downtime for play and relaxation to foster creativity and emotional well-being. Remember, nurturing mental wellness is just as important as physical health. The good news is, all of the above items will help promote mental wellness, too. If you think it’s time to seek professional support for you or your children, don’t forget Avance Care Behavioral Health offers services for ages 5 and up.
Safety First
Summer fun should always prioritize safety. Teach your family about water safety rules and ensure they are followed when swimming or engaging in water sports. Educate children about the dangers of excessive sun exposure and the importance of following sun protection measures. Be sure to brush up on what to do if injuries occur, like ankle sprains. If you’re traveling, prioritize safe practices, such as wearing seatbelts, using child safety seats, and following local safety guidelines. By prioritizing safety, your summer can be worry and accident free!
With these helpful health and wellness tips, your family can make the most of the summer season while promoting your total wellness and getting rejuvenated to stay on track with your health goals. And don’t forget – if something does come up you need to visit your doctor for, Avance Care has same-day and next-day appointments, so you don’t have to wait to get the care you need.
This article is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice from or consultation with your healthcare provider.