5 Foolproof Tips to a Fantastic Summer

EmpowHER

By Danielle Serrano

Summer is the season that so many of us look forward to. Warm nights, BBQs, happy kids, and sunshine. What's not to love?

Unfortunately, there are a few things that can put a damper on summer fun. But as us health nuts know, the best way to keep the good times rolling is to be prepared!

Mosquito Bites:
If knowingly going into a mosquito zone, avoid bites first by being prepared with a safe repellent. To avoid chemical repellents like DEET, consider making your own and read here for tips, tricks and recipes.

If you do get bit, find relief with a baking soda paste, Tiger Balm, or another home remedy.

Sunburns:
These are painful, harmful, and frankly, just not a good look.

First and most importantly, prevent them! Be smart and apply sunscreen before you're sweaty or sandy, and reapply, reapply, reapply! Keep an extra hat by the door or in your car in case you find yourself exposed and unprepared.

Secondly, make sure to choose a safe, chemical-free sunscreen. Visit the Environmental Working Group site for this year's sunscreen guide, or read up on safety here.

Dehydration:
Hydration becomes so much more important when the summer heat begins to make your skin cry. Whether you need to lower your thermostat, are spending more time exercising, or are simply spending more time outdoors this summer, most of us are sweating more than usual. Proper hydration is important for overall health and is needed by every cell and organ in your body to carry out necessary functions.

Remember that your body is two-thirds water. Spruce up your water with a cleansing lemon or other citrus, try first reaching for water when you feel hungry (as the sensations can be easily confused), and never leave home without your reusable water bottle!

Swimmer's Ear:
This is a painful irritation, infection, or inflammation that occurs when bacteria or fungi spreads through trapped water in the ear. Caused by having water trapped in the ear canal, swimmer's ear can be avoided with custom earplugs, or by towel drying or using a hair dryer to dry the ear.

Low Self-Confidence:
Low self-confidence can ruin the possibility of so many fun times, from not wanting to take that trip to the beach or dip in the pool, to avoiding those shorts or that strapless dress.

Having confidence doesn't mean having a perfect body. Sometimes it just takes an attitude adjustment.

Improving your confidence starts with positive self-talk. Since you didn't get that way overnight, don't beat yourself up if you don't see results right away (whether it's getting in shape, or having a better self-image).

Don't spend so much of your time worrying about what you don't have, and start being grateful for what you do. After all, not everyone is able to swim, walk, run, or even enjoy the summer sun.

Stay safe, stay happy!

Sources:

How to Avoid Summer's Health Woes. (n.d.). Women's Health Center: Information on Women's Wellness, Nutrition, Fitness, Intimate Questions, and Weight Loss. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from
http://women.webmd.com/features/avoid-summers-health-woes

Swimmer's Ear. (n.d.). American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from
http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/swimmersEar.cfm

The Importance of Hydration | Cancer.Net. (n.d.). Doctor-approved cancer information from ASCO | Cancer.Net. Retrieved May 25, 2012, from
http://www.cancer.net/patient/All+About+Cancer/Cancer.Net+Feature+Articles/Side+Effects/The+Importance+of+Hydration

Reviewed May 29, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith