BY MARY ANN O’DELL, MS, RDN
protect family inside & out The heat is on! It’s summer, and everyone is outside. Soccer camps, picnics, swimming, whatever it is, most of us will be outside with family and friends during the summer months. If the plan includes a day in the sun, here are some tips to keep everyone healthy and safe this summer. Boost Antioxidant Defenses. These protective compounds are needed by everyone. A good antioxidant status inside your body can help protect your skin against damage from outside forces, like the sun and pollution. Make sure to keep plenty of fruits, berries, nuts, and seeds on hand to nourish skin from the inside. Unsulfured trail mix and dehydrated or freeze dried fruit make great portable snacks for a day in the sun. Hydrate and Hydrate Some More. It’s important to stay hydrated, and kids often need constant reminders to drink fluid. This is especially true when hanging out at the pool or lake. They tend to forget that being surrounded by water does not mean you can forget about drinking water. A hydrated body will help protect against dehydration and prevent cramping. And remember that water is truly the best option when it comes to fluids. Avoid drinking too many sports 24
drinks, which are often loaded with sugar or artificial sweeteners. Save those for sports camps or events when they can be used as intended. As an alternative, try a natural recovery drink like coconut water, which can be used anytime during the summer. Protect Skin on the Outside. If you or your kids will be outside for any length of time, protect skin from the sun’s harsh rays with a sunscreen. Look for a natural, mineral-based formula that offers broadspectrum UVA/UVB protection. All the better if it has beneficial additional ingredients, such as protective green tea, soothing aloe, or natural essential oils. And if bugs are a concern, protect yourself and your family from biting, stinging pests with natural insect repellents. Several essential oils, including lemon eucalyptus, citronella, and geranium work effectively to help repel insects. This allows you to avoid ingredients like DEET, a chemical repellent that concerns many parents. Be ready for summer with some basic items to keep everyone healthy. Keep a stock of mineral sunscreens, natural bug repellents, and plenty of water and cooling beverages. Then get out there and enjoy your summer! ●
JULY 2022
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5/31/22 12:06 PM
