Jun 23, 2009 10:05 am US/Pacific
Tips For Thriving Through The Summer
(CBS)
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Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
AP
As with each new season, summer offers us an opportunity to move into a new way of thinking. For example, we may have forgotten about the risk of heat stroke, the need for bug repellant, and we may have scaled back on our water consumption. As we spend more time outdoors, here are some healthy tips to help us thrive through the warmer months.
1. Always use sunscreen
Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors. People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period and after swimming, bathing, perspiring heavily, or drying off with a towel. Choose natural sunscreens that do not contain PABA or DEET as some people are sensitive to PABA and it may actually cause them to burn faster. We don't like DEET for many reasons – see natural insect repellants below.
2. Keep Hydrated
In dry climates, sweat may evaporate on your skin leaving a trace of salt and before you know it you can get dehydrated. Avoid this by drinking a full glass of water before heading outdoors and staying well hydrated throughout the day. If you are participating in sports you may need the support of electrolyte replacement drinks (we like Knudsen's Recharge). If you start to feel light-headed or nauseous, head for the shade, lay down and elevate your feet.
3. Use natural insect repellent
Although DEET is a highly effective insect repellant, we do not recommend it (unless you are going to an area highly infested with mosquitos and known risk of malaria). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) says it should not be frequently used and the American Academy of Pediatrics says no more than one application of DEET per day for children. If DEET enters the bloodstream, is can cause neurological damage, seizures and worse. Natural repellents protect against mosquitoes, black flies, gnats, and fleas, and they may ward off ticks. Most natural insect repellents are made with citronella, a lemon scented essential oil that repels mosquitoes. Other essential oils found in natural insect repellents include cedarwood, lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, pennyroyal, lavender, and bergamot. They may be applied with spray or in lotion form.
4. Grill lightly
Grill over low to medium heat to avoid that burnt charcoal crisp effect. That burnt stuff on your grilled meat can actually be quite harmful to your health.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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