Are You Ready for Summer?

By Kendra Eisenbraun, Health and Wellness Coach, Anodyne of St. George

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that approximately 700–1000 people die on average every year in the U.S. due to extreme heat. Considering this statistic, the importance of hydration becomes clearer. Amongst many other things, such as preventing infections, delivering nutrients throughout the body, and lubricating joints, getting enough water throughout the day will help regulate body temperature. So fill up those water bottles!

If you don’t like the taste of water or lack thereof, there is good news! You can eat your water, too. Some foods high in water content include strawberries, watermelon, oranges, peaches, cantaloup, cucumber, lettuce, and zucchini.

Eating a balanced diet with colorful fruits and vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can assist with weight management, provide essential nutrients so that your body is functioning optimally, and help improve energy, mood, and sleep.

One of the best tips for eating healthy is to cook at home. Prepare your own meals, prep snacks for family outings, reach for the veggie trays, and don’t overdo the summer BBQs. Eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, such as arugula, cucumbers, beets, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini, apricots, cherries, plums, blackberries, strawberries, and nectarines. Eating foods that are in season will provide you with high amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Another way to keep your family healthy and fit is to participate in summer sports, such as frisbee, soccer, baseball, football, tennis, biking, swimming, or hiking. With so many different activities to choose from, the only downside is deciding which ones you want to do! The temperatures can soar by midday, so opt to take family walks and runs in the morning. The best time to exercise outdoors is between 5:30 a.m.–9:00 a.m., not only because the temperatures are cooler but also because testosterone, the hormone encouraging muscle growth, peaks between these hours as well.

Last of all, don’t forget the sunblock! Use sunblock that contains zinc oxide to block radiant energy in UV light waves.

To learn more about Anodyne’s patient-centric, integrated, collaborative approach to nutrition and pain management, visit https://anodynepain.com/.

About the Author

Kendra Eisenbraun earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Colorado Mesa University and is a Certified Health Coach and an Integrated Nutrition Health Coach at Anodyne Pain and Wellness Solutions in St. George, Utah. Kendra’s mission is to play an imperative role in improving the health and happiness of patients by guiding them through lifestyle changes, providing nutrition education, and holding them accountable. She wants to help create a supportive space where she can emphasize wellness beyond just the plate and help patients achieve fitness goals, build better relationships, develop healthy habits, and find a work/life balance.

Kendra Eisenbraun