Summertime is the time to get outdoors and enjoy with friends and family. Many summer days and nights are filled with barbeques, bike rides, swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities. While many of us find this time enjoyable, summer can also be a time of stress for our bodies, especially as we age. Our physiology changes as we get older, which can create more sensitivities to humidity, heat, and overall sun exposure. At ViTel Health, we want you to be living your healthiest life and be able to do all those things that you look forward to as safely as possible.
One of the biggest concerns is during the summer months, people are more susceptible to dehydration, especially the population aged 60 and older. So, make sure you are drinking plenty of water before being outdoors in the sun. And even more than just water, you want to ensure you are replacing your electrolytes, like salt, which is lost in sweat. Try adding a small pinch of Himalayan sea salt to a tall glass of water rather than opting for a sugary electrolyte drink.
Summer is also a great time to get those fresh fruits and vegetables into your diet. Watermelons are rich in water as well as minerals like potassium and will help to reduce dehydration. Foods such as blueberries, tart cherries, and tomatoes are good for reducing fatigue and good for muscle health because they are rich in antioxidants. When it is hot outside, we tend to want to partake in cold sweet treats such as ice cream, but try to swap that ice cream for low-fat yogurt. You can use yogurt in your favorite shakes and smoothies as well. Try swapping out high-sugar lemonades and juice for cool water infused with refreshing flavors such as cucumber, lemon, and lavender.
One of the most important things you can do while outside having fun in the sun is take care of your skin. So put on the sunscreen, at least 30SPF, to protect you from those sun rays. Make sure to remember if you are swimming or doing water activities to reapply that sunscreen and get help to put sunscreen on those areas that may be hard to reach. You can also wear loose, light-colored clothes to help with the heat. Or try wearing a wide brim hat and sunglasses to help shield your face and look super cool while protecting yourself.
Many people enjoy exercising outside (which we love to hear) but on very hot days it's probably better to stay indoors. Remember, the sun is at its strongest between 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, so if you really must get outside, try to do it before or after these hours on those super-hot days. If you are around a swimming pool or other water activities, be careful on areas that could be slick and cause a fall.
We hope everyone enjoys their summer and gets to do all the fun things they enjoy!