Even though the summers are hot and humid in the Atlanta area, people still love getting outdoors to enjoy the summer sun. Staying active and getting exercise this summer is a huge health benefit, but an active lifestyle can sometimes lead to musculoskeletal pain and injury. However, there are easy steps you can take to stay healthy this summer. At Innovative Health & Wellness, we want to help you enjoy your summer to the fullest. Our health experts have compiled a list of some simple tips to help you and your loved ones stay healthy all summer long.
Stretch & Stay Limber
Whether you’re doing yard work, hitting the golf courses, or taking a stroll around Woodstock’s historic sites, summertime is a prime time for increased outdoor activities. Light daily stretching helps you stay limber and flexible. While it’s best to stretch properly on a daily basis, it’s especially important to stretch before and after any rigorous activity. Think about how much better your golf swing will be if your muscles are loose! Regular stretching helps improve range of motion, which greatly enhances peak performance. Before engaging in physical activity, be sure to stretch those muscles to reduce the risk of muscle strain, injury, spasm, and fatigue.
Protect Your Skin from the Elements
Be mindful of your time spent in the sun and humidity. While sunshine provides vitamin D that is excellent for your health, slather on the sunscreen before heading outdoors. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that provides broad spectrum coverage and is water and sweat resistant (especially considering Atlanta’s humidity). To remain protected from powerful UV rays throughout the day, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
As most of you know, summers in the South are hot and humid. With the extra summer humidity, water is crucial to maintaining energy while fighting dehydration that can lead to fatigue and heat exhaustion. Staying hydrated helps carry nutrients to your cells, improving overall body function and circulation. Always bring water bottles with you. You don’t want to get caught in traffic on a scorching day with no water. Want to keep your water cold? Fill up your water bottle and freeze it ahead of time. You’ll have cold water that lasts for hours! Also, be sure to pack extra water for your furry friends, even if it’s just a quick trip.
Schedule Regular Chiropractic Treatments
To help support optimum health and wellness this summer, make time for your chiropractic care. Maintaining regular chiropractic treatments also allows our experienced health professionals at Innovative Health & Wellness to evaluate and assess your pain and discomfort that often accompanies elevated physical activity. Receiving regular chiropractic adjustments helps restore joint mobility while also helping your body heal from injury, soreness, and fatigue. In order to maintain your active lifestyle and improve your overall performance this summer, keep up on your chiropractic care and at-home wellness. Please call us with any questions or concerns about your summer health or to schedule a free consultation.