Summer is a great time to enjoy the warm weather and keep yourself engaged in outdoor activities, but it’s essential to take care of your health and safety amidst rising cases of COVID-19. Here are some tips to remember for your healthcare, eating habits, and COVID-19 prevention during the summer months.
Summer is a time when people usually take advantage of the warm weather and Healthcare Tips:
- Maintaining proper hydration levels is essential, particularly in the summer season and when you’re exposed to high temperatures outside. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consume ample amounts of water to stay hydrated.
- Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is also essential to protect your skin from sunburn and skin damage. Applying it every two hours or after swimming or sweating can help maintain its effectiveness.
- Protecting your eyes is equally important. Sunglasses that block 100% of UV rays can help prevent eye damage.
- Wearing loose, lightweight clothing that covers your skin can provide a protective barrier against the sun.
- Spending time in the fresh morning air can keep you naturally relaxed. If you feel overheated, take a break indoors or during office hours.
- Be cautious of signs of heat exhaustion. Symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headache, and excessive sweating should prompt you to move to a cooler area and drink water. In case of a severe issue, it’s advisable to consult your family physician.
- Take advantage of the outdoors: Go for a hike, a bike ride, or a swim. Visit local parks or beaches and enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Staying active is recommended, but avoiding overexertion in the heat is essential.
- Try new activities: Summer is a great time to try new things like kayaking, paddle boarding, or outdoor yoga. Plan a trip. Take a weekend or week-long vacation to cool air places.
- Take care of yourself: Summer can be busy, so take time for yourself. Read a book, take a nap, or relax and enjoy the sun’s warmth.
- Keeping an eye on weather alerts and air quality reports can help you stay informed about any health risks associated with the summer season.
Hot weather calls for smart food choices :
- Being mindful of food safety is essential to avoid food poisoning. Food should not be left out in the sun and should be appropriately stored and cooked.
- Increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables, which provide a diverse range of nutrients, can be beneficial. Fresh, ripe produce like mango, watermelon, muskmelon, grapes, and lime fruits during the season can keep your body hydrated and regulate your body temperature.
- Choosing lighter, refreshing meals such as salads, grilled vegetables, and fresh fruit can keep you full and prevent overeating.
- Ensuring you remain hydrated by consuming ample water and other hydrating fluids like buttermilk, curd, coconut water, and lemonade can help prevent dehydration.
- Reducing your intake of processed foods and sugary cold drinks can help you avoid consuming excessive sugar and soda.
- Exploring new recipes, such as different types of shakes and juices, and experimenting with fresh, seasonal ingredients can be fun and rewarding.
- Enjoy fresh, homemade popsicles using pureed fruit and natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
- Grill fruit like peaches, pineapple, and watermelon for a delicious and healthy dessert. Try making your own iced tea or infusing water with fresh fruit and herbs for a refreshing and hydrating beverage.
- Make a healthy and filling summer salad combining leafy greens, fresh berries, nuts, and a light vinaigrette dressing. Make healthy frozen yogurt by blending Greek yogurt, frozen fruit, and a natural sweetener.
- Enjoy a healthy and refreshing smoothie bowl by blending frozen fruit, Greek yogurt, and a variety of toppings like nuts, seeds, and granola.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s crucial to follow safety measures.
- Wearing masks, especially in indoor settings
- Maintaining social distancing of at least six feet in public spaces or around people not part of your household is essential.
- Avoiding crowded places, mainly indoor areas with poor ventilation, can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer, especially after being in public spaces, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
- Staying home if you feel unwell or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms is essential to avoid spreading the virus.
- Following public health guidelines and staying up to date with them can help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Summer is a season full of vibrancy and excitement, but it’s important to remember to take care of your health and safety, especially during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the temptation to bask in the sun and enjoy the outdoors, protecting yourself and those around you should be a top priority. You can keep up with the energetic pace of summer by staying hydrated, taking care of your skin by shielding it from the sun’s harmful rays, fueling your body with nutritious foods, and taking necessary precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Don’t let the pandemic dampen your spirits, but remember to be responsible and prioritize your health and safety as you enjoy the joys of the summer season.
With these simple yet essential steps, you can enjoy all the thrills and spills of summer while still taking care of yourself and those around you. So, soak up the sun, savor new experiences, and stay informed and safe!