The Oaks at Ojai (California)
Summertime-it even feels good to ponder the word. Long days. Great times with family. A slower pace. Yet, too often summer comes with its own set of concerns. Here are some summertime health and fitness tips to keep you happy and well.
*Drink plenty of water. It's the best sports drink around. Keep plenty in the refrigerator and the kids will choose it any old time. Summertime and soda (or it maybe called soda pop, depending on where you live) seem to go hand in hand, but all the sugar can pack on the pounds. Think of soda as a treat and water as your mainstay. Even if you're indoors during the workday and the air condition is cranked up, your body still loses moisture naturally even if you don't feel sweaty. For instance, each day some people lose about a cup of water through the sweat glands in their feet. Most nutritional authorities have opinions on how much water we need to drink. I like to keep it simple. Have a glass on rising, one with each meal, one after dinner and one before bed and you're body will never feel dehydrated. Dehydration, by the way, can cause skin to look older, impede organs from functioning well, and slow elimination. *Eat lighter. While you're at work to limit the sugars in your diet, it's also time to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables straight from the farmers' markets. Just because something say it is "organic" doesn't mean it's sparkling clean, always wash produce before you enjoy it.
*Keep sunscreen handy but don't put it on if you're in the direct sun. This is about like adding butter to a hot skillet. A sunscreen with a rating of 15 SPF (sun protection factor) is the minimum, according to dermatologists. Do not depend on a 15 SPF for outdoor use. Rather, if you're an outdoors person like I am, select at least a 45 SPF, and always apply it according to the directions. Children need sunscreen, too and those who play in the water this summer should always select a waterproof variety. Why care about using sunscreens? Skin cancer is at epidemic rates, nearly 1.3 million will be diagnosed with nonmelanoma skin cancer this year. Since the damage by the sun can be delayed many years, those of us who baked in the 60s and 70s are prime targets today. Even with the concerns of future skin cancer, in a survey less than 45 percent of adults routinely used sunscreen and about 25 percent reported that they never use it.
*Wear a hat with a brim when you're outdoors, especially for golf, tennis, walking and hiking. Check out the hats and clothing options that block the sun's rays, too.
*Choose your work out times and places. If you live in a humid, hot or sunny climate you, give yourself a healthy summer by joining a gym. Evenings might be the time to stretch or workout with a yoga or fitness video or dust off that treadmill or exercise bike. OR participate in your sport or fitness routine early in the morning or later in the day when the sun isn't as powerful.
*Protect yourself from bugs. Check with your medical professional about what type of insect repellant you and the family should use. Working in the garden? Be sure to wear leather gloves.
*Select clothing that fits the weather. Loose and layered always work, and natural fabrics are more comfortable than man-made ones. For your workout wear socks that are designed to wick away moisture from your feet.
Time to drink in all the fun and sports that summer offers and with these tips you'll stay fit for life.
