The sun has finally arrived and the kids are out of school. This marks the start of summer with days at the pool, vacations, graduation parties, 4th of July picnics, fireworks, and all the fun things that follow. I know for my wife and I this also means later nights with the boys, long days out in the sun, weekend trips, and a busy summer schedule. And while we all love summer, it is important to remember to take care of our bodies and be prepared for all the excitement the summer brings. For this reason, I have come up with 8 Great Tips for a Better Summer to help keep your healthy, safe from the sun, and to be able to relax and enjoy it all.
Drink Lots of Water…
We all know the classic recommendation to “drink 8 glasses of water a day” but how many of us actually follow that rule of thumb. With the heat and humidity, it is very important to stay cool and hydrated in the summer days. This prevents overheating, dehydration, sluggish behavior, and sometimes even passing out. I had a patient just last week tell me that her teenage grand-daughter passed out on one of those 90 degree days from dehydration. Stay ahead of the heat, drink lots of water, and keep yourself safe on those hot humid days.
Wear Sunscreen…
The days of lathering up in baby oil as my grandma used to do are long gone. The dangers and fear of skin cancer and sun poisoning are very real and very prevalent. Don’t be the one who gets burned to a crisp because you forgot to throw on some sunscreen. At least SPF 15 or slightly higher is the recommended protection for you and your kids and remember to reapply often. We have found the spray is the easiest and most convenient for the kids, but even adults need to lather up. So don’t forget and keep your skin safe.
Exercise…
The concept of working out and exercise does not mean that you have to spend an hour inside of a gym. Exercise can be as simple as going for a walk with your spouse, or kids, or dog, or sometimes just by yourself. Getting in a few miles a day will help your feel better, have more energy, and burn some of those unwanted calories. Plus, it can also be relaxing. Personally, I would much rather go for a walk with my wife than lift weights in a gym, and it gives us some time to just talk and connect. So please don’t think of exercise as a burden, make it something you can enjoy.
Eat Healthy…
Many people think of eating healthy and they think of the word “dieting”. I don’t like the word “dieting” because it suggests to most people that you cannot eat the things you like or enjoy. So let’s use the words “eat healthier”. This can be as simple as eating more fruits and vegetables, adding a salad to your meal, drinking less soda and sugary drinks, or just eating in moderation. I don’t go to a graduation party and avoid all the great food. I eat it all and I greatly enjoy it, but maybe I add an extra helping of broccoli salad or fruit to fill me up. Eat the things you want, but eat smarter. You will feel better and maybe even lose a few pounds along the way.
Sleep…
This is a pretty simple one to follow. Sleep. We all need at least 6-8 hours of sleep a night to function efficiently and effectively the next morning. With all the running around that goes on in the hot summer, our bodies need time to recharge and relax. This is where sleep comes into play. Turn off the TV and get to bed. Your body will thank you in the morning. If you’re having some sleeping issues, let us know and we can help.
Stretch…
This one kid of goes hand in hand with exercise but is just as important. Stretching helps to relieve stress and relax muscles, especially after those long days working in the yard or even those stressful days in the office. Regular stretching (5 minutes a day) can greatly help to reduce the tension on your neck and back, which will keep you moving better, have less aches and pain, and feeling healthier overall.
Have Fun and Relax..
Summer is a great time to get out and do the things you love, or to try new things. Take time out of your schedule to make plans with your partner or your kids to just have some fun. Get out to a Pirates Game, go to Kennywood, go kayaking, hiking, fishing, swimming; the list of things to do is endless. My wife and I recently did a zip line and apparatus course in North Park, which was something new to us and we had a blast. Of course the dinner and drinks afterwards with friends was an added bonus. But nevertheless, remember to have some fun, enjoy yourself, and relax. We all have stress in our life so take the time to just have some fun.
Go to the Chiropractor…
Of course, last but not least, don’t neglect your body and get in for your regular maintenance and routine adjustments. It is very easy over the summer to get caught up in all the excitement and get out of your routine. Taking care of your body’s aches and pains will allow you to have more fun and get more done. And for those of you who have a new or different ache or pain, don’t let it ruin your summer. Nothing ruins the summer more than that nagging low back pain or headache that just won’t go away. Stop in today and let us help you, that’s why we’re here!!! And don’t forget to refer a friend or family member. Our new “Referral Program” is our way of thanking you for your trust and confidence in our office.
Yours in Health and Chiropractic,
Dr. Michael Baleno