Ah, sweet summer. The time for sleeping late, spending time with your friends, and, unfortunately, mosquito bites and sunburn. While you’re out and about having fun for the next few months, it’s important to make sure you’re taking care of your physical and mental health too.
Sunscreen is key – and not just for the beach! If you’re spending any time in the sun, whether it’s in the beach, park, or even just walking around your neighborhood, make sure you slap on some sunscreen. Make sure that the sunscreen you use is at least SPF 30 or higher and that you reapply every two hours. If you’re going in the water, make sure you wait at least 30 minutes after putting on sunscreen before you head into the water, and re-apply once you’re dry.
Stay hydrated. If you’re going to be out in the sun for long periods of time, make sure you always bring a water bottle with you and refill it often. It may be hard to determine how much water you need. One trick is to divide your body weight in half and make sure you drink at least that many ounces of water every day. Remember, if you’re out in the heat for long periods of time or exercising in the heat, you need to make sure you drink extra water. Watch for signs of dehydration, like headaches, fatigue, dark colored urine, and lightheadedness.
Live in the moment, not on your phone! You may want to get that perfect sunkissed selfie for your Snap story, but make sure you’re making real memories too. Summer is best spent with friends outside, not watching what others are doing from behind a screen.
Watch out for bugs! Mosquito bites are, unfortunately, an unavoidable part of summer living. Even though they are annoying, remember not to scratch them – this can irritate them and cause infection. Instead, try cold compresses, calamine lotion, or an anti-itch cream. If you go hiking or camping, be sure to thoroughly check your body for ticks afterwards. Any tick bite that looks like a bright red bullseye may be a sign of Lyme Disease and should be checked out by a medical professional.