School’s out and it’s time to hit the pool and beach! All of that fresh air and sunlight is so rejuvenating, not to mention it provides good exercise, vitamin D exposure, and timeless memories that will be made with friends and family.
Before you head out, consider these simple, yet important tips to protect your family’s health!
Buying A Healthy Sunscreen
What SPF is most effective? Are those chemicals safe for kids? Does the sunscreen actually work? Will it cause an allergic reaction?
Get all of your questions answered at the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website. You’ll find a complete guide to what to look for in a sunscreen, a database to search for the ones you’ve used in the past, and a list of the highest recommended sunscreens.
Wear Sunglasses!
Think of sunglasses as stylish cataract prevention 😉 They also make your time outdoors much more comfortable by eliminating squinting and adding UV protection.
Stay Hydrated
High temperatures, exercise, direct sunlight, and humidity all increase perspiration, which not only depletes water – but also essential electrolytes too! So if you’re feeling worn down after a day in the sun, grab a hydrating drink before you sit down to relax.
- Avoid caffeinated drinks (soda, tea, sweet tea, iced coffee) as these are diuretics and cause your body to excrete even more electrolytes (which could lead to heat stroke even quicker).
- Replenish with water. Keep your plastic bottles out of direct sunlight, as this causes the chemicals in the plastic to leech into the water. Sip gradually throughout the day – instead of guzzling it down – since this enables your body to actually absorb and use it instead of flushing it through your body in 20 minutes!
- Add electrolytes. Think: sodium, potassium, sugar, magnesium. While Gatorade and Powerade do have electrolytes, they are also loaded with chemicals, colorings, flavorings, and gums, and are often produced with genetic engineering.
Instead, here are some healthier alternatives:
- Coconut water – naturally occurring electrolytes and a sweet taste make this a great choice for workouts, beach trips, and days at the pool!
- Simple Homemade Electrolyte drink – simple combine a few ingredients, add ice cubes, and sip!
- Citrus juice such as lemon, lime, orange (Vitamin C)
- Natural sweetener such as maple syrup or honey OR 100% fruit juice (sugar)
- Sea salt OR Pink Himalayan salt (sodium)
- Magnesium / Calcium powder (1 tsp)
- All-natural electrolyte drinks – glance beyond the Powerade and look for a drink that is made from ingredients you recognize. You may be surprised what you can find!
Plan Your Sun Time
The sun’s rays are most powerful in the middle of the day, so plan to head out in the morning and late afternoon, with a lunch break under an umbrella or indoors to escape the most “dangerous” time of day. This will also give everyone a boost of energy for afternoon activities and you won’t be wiped out by dinnertime!
Seek Shade
If you’re not heading out until late morning or the middle of the day, at least bring cover to avoid a bad sunburn! Grab a beach umbrella, find a shaded picnic table, or wear a wide-brimmed hat. Your skin will thank you – in 12 hours and 12 years!!
