5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Summer

Enjoy Summer the Healthy Way

As the days get longer and summer heat increases, remember these five key tips to continue a healthy lifestyle:

Stay Hydrated

• Start every day with a glass of water to help replace the fluid lost overnight. Try to drink at least 6-8 glasses of water each day.

• Eat at least 1-2 servings of fruit and vegetables with each meal. Many fruits and vegetables have a high water content and are naturally rich in vitamins and minerals that the body needs.

** Added bonus: Hydration helps prevent constipation and keeps your digestive tract working properly.

Manage Stress

• Make some time for yourself every day, even if it’s only five minutes to look out the window.

• Notice when you start to feel stressed. Take a deep breath and think about something pleasant for 30 seconds.

** Added bonus: A little downtime can increases your productivity throughout the day.

Exercise Daily

• The American Heart Association recommends at least two and half hours per week of moderate intensity activity, such as brisk walking, bicycling slower than 10 miles per hour and gardening.

• Strengthening your muscles helps to maintain bone density and burn more calories at rest. Start with small weights or exercise bands.

**Added bonus: Activity helps your body deal with the physical effects of stress.

Eat More Healthy Foods

• Add an extra fruit and vegetable to your daily intake.

• Slice pears onto your salad, or toss sliced almonds in your yogurt.

• Combine cooked spinach or green beans with your frozen meal at lunch.

**Added bonus: A plant-based diet can help reduce your risk of cancer.

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

• Tote your own shopping bags everywhere you go. Some places subtract money from your bill for every bag you bring!

• Now it’s even easier to recycle paper, plastic, aluminum and other packaging materials. Visit local grocery stores and shopping centers for convenient recycle sites.

**Added bonus: Recycling saves natural resources and helps prevent pollution.

Shield HealthCare | Medical Supplies For Care At Home Since 1957