The summer months are a great time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm sunshine. However, it is important we remember to stay safe in the heat. Below are three tips for making sure your summer remains a safe and enjoyable one.
1. Swimming
The summer heat can make it dangerous to go on a bike ride or run as the risk of heat exhaustion can be elevated on very hot days. Swimming is a fun and much cooler alternative. It is also a great exercise that requires all the muscles in your body and thus is a great calorie burner. Grab your beach or pool towel and make a day of it with friends and family.
2. Wear Your Sunscreen
It is easy to overexpose yourself to the sun in the long summer days. Sunscreen of at least SPF 30 is the right solution to protect yourself from harmful UV rays, which can result in agonizing burns or sun poisoning. It is also a good idea to wear a hat to protect your face and scalp.
3. Drink Lots of Water
With all of the fun outdoor activities that summertime brings, it is easy to forget to stay properly hydrated. Make sure you take a water bottle with you to help you’re your daily water intake goals. It is generally recommended that you should be drinking half your lean body weight in ounces of water. A great tip to help you out is to weigh yourself both before and after your outdoor activity and make sure to replace the lost weight with water, which weighs approximately a half pound per cup.
Dr. Edwards, Princeton internist practices at Penn Medicine Princeton Health in the Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center and also serves as Medical Director of the Bristol-Myers Squibb Community Health Center.