ONE – Don’t Forget Your Shades.

 

Excess sun expose can lead to cataracts, retina burns and vision loss so it is important to wear high quality sunglasses that block 99% of UVA and UVB. Wearing poor-quality sunglasses can actually increase damage to your eyes because the dark color will cause the pupil to dilate, allowing more harmful UV rays to enter.

 

TWO – Diet Hacks. 

Along with the warm weather, the summer months bring BBQ’s, backyard picnics and weddings. Partying poolside with a Piña Colada and a Burger is great fun but splurging too much during the summer festivities can put the extra pounds on faster than you can say “pass the sunscreen”.

If you’re going to a potluck, make sure you bring something light, like a summer salad or a fruit tray so you’ll have some healthy options to choose from instead of going for a second helping of Grandma’s mac and cheese. Fill half of your plate with fruits and veggies and you’ll be less inclined to overdo it on the calorie heavy selections. If you treat yourself to dessert, keep the portion size reasonable. The key is moderation. After you’ve eaten, get moving! Get everyone together for a game of volleyball, Frisbee or a swim in the pool.

 
THREE – Drink Up.

Surveys show that 60% to 75 % of Americans don’t drink enough water daily so it is imperative to stay hydrated once the summer temperatures start rising. There’s a lot more to dehydration than just feeling thirsty. Signs of dehydration can also include spasms, tension in your neck or jaw, vomiting, and heart problems. The National Institute of Medicine tells us that men need around 13 cups of fluids a day and women need about 9 so don’t leave home without those water bottles filled to the brim.