Summer is here, and with it, all of the outdoor activities that winter precludes. Hiking, camping, volleyball, beach trips, outdoor concerts, and more have returned, and after the past few years with the COVID lockdowns, people are making up for lost time by embracing them with fervor.
Unfortunately, along with the fun comes the potential for various health issues, but many can be avoided with a little foresight. Let’s take a look at some summer health tips to ensure you get the most out of the season.
1. Hydrate!
One of the foremost tips for summer wellness is simple: hydration. Combining summer heat with increased activity makes it easy to become dehydrated. This is especially problematic, considering 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration.
Make sure to drink a lot of water when exerting yourself and consider adding a few sports drinks to your intake as well to replace some of the salts and electrolytes lost to perspiration. This is one of the easiest, most important, and most frequently neglected measures you can take. A dehydrated metabolism does not function optimally.
2. Don’t Overextend Yourself
As the weather becomes more clement and you get more active, beware of trying to do too much too fast. Warm up and stretch before physical activity, and then ease into it. Start with small sessions of activity and slowly build them up in intensity over time. This also applies to strenuous activities like gardening and yard work, not just sports and exercise.
3. Cool Down
Just as warming up and stretching your muscles before activity is vital, so is cooling down afterward. Instead of just stopping after strenuous physical activity, walking or stretching for about 20 minutes is recommended. This helps remove lactic acid built up in the muscles during exercise, preventing the cramps and discomfort it can cause.
4. Be Kind to Your Feet
One of the most basic summer chiropractic tips is to avoid flip-flops. For many, summer means going to the beach. The beach during summer usually means wearing flip-flops. While they may be the comfortable choice at the moment, they do have some inherent issues. Footwear like flip flops lack arch support and thick soles in most cases. Over time, this can contribute to a misalignment of legs and pelvis and overuse of the tendons and muscles in your feet, hips, ankles, knees, and back.
5. Listen to Your Body’s Signals
Your body lets you know when something is wrong if you pay attention. For instance, if you feel thirsty, it’s because your body is already suffering the first stages of dehydration. If you find yourself suffering cramps or discomfort after activity, be careful to monitor them. If ice packs for the inflammation do not bring relief, or if the pain is severe, you should make an appointment with our team to get a professional diagnosis. Persistent pain or reduced range of motion can indicate a more serious injury or condition and may require chiropractic care.
Total Chiropractic Care Support Your Health Year Round
Staying active is great for your health, but when you accidentally overdo it, Total Chiropractic Care is here to help. Our wellness team will make a diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs. Stay active, improve your quality of life, and get the most out of your summer. Contact us today!