A day out in the sun, barbecue with friends, and a display of fireworks! For most of us, Independence Day is not just about celebrating our great nation, but it’s also about spending quality time with family and friends. But just because it’s a holiday weekend that involves family get-togethers, it doesn’t mean that you should completely let yourself go. Make yours a happy and healthy one with these health tips from DrNewMed.
- Wear Sunscreen: Although going out in the sun is an excellent way to absorb some healthy Vitamin D, repeated sun exposure can damage your elastin, collagen, and skin cells. Make sure you wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Studies show that sunburns can increase the risk of skin cancer by 12 times, so make sure you apply sunscreen at all times.
- Eat Light: Although hamburgers and hot dogs are a tradition on the 4th of July, make sure you load up the grill with loads of veggies like asparagus, bell peppers, onions, squash, and corn. You can swap your white-flour burger buns with whole wheat or sprouted-grain buns.Don’t let food weigh down your festivities; balance your main course with salads and healthy dips!
- Stay Hydrated: Keep your body cool by staying hydrated. Water is the best thing to drink to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and try to stay away from carbonated and sugary drinks that may dehydrate you. Consume water-rich fruits like watermelon and avoid drinks that contain caffeine as they are diuretic and can cause more fluid loss.
- Start Fun Activities: Organize a fun group activity to keep your friends and family entertained and active. Beach volleyball, soccer scavenger hunts, and hiking are all great activities to keep the whole group engaged! Focus on celebrating what really matters. There’s no one way to celebrate. Create your own healthy traditions may make this your best 4th of July yet.
- Wave A Flag Instead Of A Sparkler: Did you know nearly half of the firework injuries to children under 5 are related to sparklers? Sparklers burn at extremely high levels of heat: 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—which means they can ignite clothing on fire, cause eye injuries, and cause third-degree burns if contacted with skin.
- Wear Some Earplugs: The sounds of summer—such as fireworks and marching bands—can certainly impair your hearing. Fireworks and firecrackers can be as loud as 150 decibels, a lot louder than what is considered a safe listening level (75–80 decibels). Wear earplugs and stay at least 500 feet away from the fireworks launch site.
Nothing matters more to us than your health and safety. During this holiday, remember that your decisions have an impact on your quality of life. Take decisions that benefit your health and those that love you most. DrNewMed is always here to support your complete health and wellness, holiday to holiday, all year round.
