The Summer Solstice is Here! 5 tips for a healthy summer
Sunday, June 20, marks the official start to summer for all of us that live north of the equator. The June solstice is when Earth arrives at the point in its orbit where the North Pole is at its maximum tilt (about 23.5 degrees) toward the Sun, resulting in the longest day and shortest night of the calendar year.
Are you summer-ready?
And with the long days of summer comes an abundance of sunshine. Here are five tips to stay healthy this summer.
- Get active. Take advantage of the daylight to get in some exercise. The hottest time of the day is around 3 p.m., so try to plan your activities for early in the day.
- Drink plenty of water – even if you’re not feeling thirsty. On average, a person should have eight 8-ounze glasses (or roughly two liters) of water every day. During the hot summer months, you should drink more water – roughly two-and-a half liters a day.
- Protect yourself from the sun. No single method of sun defense can provide perfect protection. Be sure to use sunscreen, wear clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor and a hat with a wide brim all the way around to shade your eyes, ears, face and neck. Also wear UV-blocking sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them. Seek out ways to play in the shade.
- Eat healthy and light. Summer gives us access to fresh fruits and vegetables that can be used for light, small, frequent meals.
- Practice safe swimming. Swimming is a great way to beat the heat and get in some exercise. Be sure to swim in designated areas where a lifeguard is present, swim with a buddy, keep a close eye on the kiddos, use life jackets when necessary and be on the lookout for rip currents if swimming in the ocean.
Even though summer in Boca Grande can get plenty hot, it’s a great time to get out and have some fun when the crowds are low. We all should be feeling a bit more optimistic this summer than last, so let’s make this summer memorable for all the right reasons.
More Recent Healthcare News
Reflecting on a Year of Resilience and Continued Progress
January 23, 2025As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the incredible strides we made together in 2024. This past year tested our resilience, but it also highlighted the strength, innovation, and dedication that define our clinic and community. Weathering the Storms Facing two back-to-back hurricanes tested us in ways we […]
A Season of Caring, Giving and Gratitude
December 20, 2024As we embrace this season, we are deeply grateful for the strength and generosity that define our island community. To our incredible clinic staff: After the storms, you showed unwavering dedication. The very next day, you were there – seeing patients, making home visits by golf cart and connecting through telehealth. Your commitment ensured continued […]
Boca Grande Strong: Choices That Build Resilience
December 13, 2024As the holidays arrive, Boca Grande finds itself in a season unlike any other. While the spirit of community endures, the effects of Hurricanes Helene and Milton are still deeply felt. Homes and businesses are in various stages of repair, and the path to recovery is challenging. Yet, there are signs of hope. Some seasonal […]
Annex Demolition Opens Door to the Clinic of the Future
December 5, 2024Demolition of the Boca Grande Health Clinic Annex building, located at 280 Park Avenue, began on December 2, marking the start of a promising new chapter for healthcare on the island. The decision to expedite the demolition came after the Annex sustained extensive damage from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. The demolition paves the way for […]