Beat the Summer Heat

By Donna Stark

Summer is right around the corner, and because we all don't have a backyard pool to cool off in, that means many of us will need to start preparing for the insane amount of heat that will fill our afternoons and evenings. Fortunately, there are some simple strategies to do so that your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic have listed below. These tips will help everyone (even those lucky pool owners) beat the heat, maintain optimal wellness, and stay as cool as a cucumber in the coming months. Take a look.

Stay Hydrated

It is very easy to become dehydrated during the summer months, so make sure you are constantly staying hydrated! Infusing your water with citrus, berries, and cucumbers, consuming water-rich foods such as watermelon, celery, and soup, and making it a point to start and end your day with at least 12 ounces are great places to start.

Eat Lighter Meals

Summer is known for fresh fruit and delicious salads, and there's a reason why. These lighter meals are generally easier for your body to digest which means it won't be using as much energy and, as a result, generating as much heat as it would with heavier foods.

Skip Peak Hours

Try to plan your outdoor physical activities during the mornings or later in the evenings because the temperatures may be significantly cooler. If you do have to be outside during those hotter peak hours of the day, make sure you have water, are covered with sunscreen or clothing, and know the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke. Take a look at them here.

• Heavy sweating
• Faintness, dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea, vomiting
• Headache
• High body temperature
• Altered mental state or behavior
• Flushed skin
• Rapid breathing or heart rate

Find Shade

As tempting as it is to look bronzed and golden, it may be better for your overall well-being to take frequent breaks while being outdoors and hang out in the shade instead. Pack an umbrella when you head to the beach, bring a canopy to your children's soccer games, or seek out what Mother Nature provides herself. Doing so will make a huge difference in how you feel and how much risk you put yourself and your loved ones in.

Beating the Heat

Start preparing today for what is yet to come! Protect yourself and your loved ones from potential injuries and illness by taking the necessary steps to beat the heat this summer. In addition to keeping everyone safe, it's the best way to enjoy all the fun that lies ahead!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Sacramento, Calif.