With the weather warming and everyone getting outdoors more, many people are worried about keeping their families healthy and safe. From sunscreen to getting a physical the ways to maintain your family’s health this spring can help set you up for continued health into summer.
Use Sunscreen When You’re Outdoors
It may only be spring, but that just means the sun is out more often so it is important to add sunscreen to your daily skincare routine. It is also good to apply sunscreen in the spring to create a habit of applying sunscreen that will last into summer to prevent even worse summer sunburns from hours spent outside. You may be getting plenty of shade from your local trees but deciduous trees aren’t able to block between 60% and 90% of the sun’s rays till the summer because their full canopy isn’t grown yet so even if you’re hiking in the woods, you can still get sunburnt.
Practice Stretching To Reduce Injuries
As the weather gets warmer many people start running and biking outside after staying snug with their family all winter. If you aren’t stretching before your start outdoor exercises then you are asking for injuries. If you stretch before going for a run or bike ride then you’re setting the stage for healthy exercise practices. Since kids love to copy their parents, you can be sure your kids will start stretching too leading to far fewer injuries for the whole family as everyone starts enjoying the outdoors more and more.
Look At Ingredient Lists on Everything
Since you are applying sunscreen and bug spray as you spend more time outside, it is really important to know what goes into those concoctions. This is especially true once you realize that over 60% of the substances that are put on the skin are absorbed into the bloodstream, which means it can easily absorb chemicals in commercial soaps, sunscreens, and bug sprays. If you have children then you know they are always putting toys, their hands, and other things in their mouth so reading the label can prepare you for when your child bites off your lip balm because it’s flavored.
Start Eating Seasonal Veggies
Eating seasonal veggies can help reduce the number of allergies experienced because your body is ingesting local pollen making it more resilient. Not only will you help reduce the impact of seasonal allergies on your family but you’ll be able to introduce new, healthy food options instead of relying on quick meal standards of pizza and boring salads. Adding seasonal veggies to your diet can also help as you switch from winter soups into summer salads.
Get a Regular Checkup
Going in for your physical doesn’t just keep you on top of your health, it can also make sure your records are kept current. In some places like Arizona, doctors must hold an adult patient’s medical records for a minimum of 6 years after the last date of services so getting a checkup can make sure your medical records are available if needed. Getting a checkup or a primary care service as an adult may be easier in the spring since most children are required to have an updated physical before the school year starts so many doctors’ offices are booked solid in summer. Another reason to go for your checkup at a primary care center in the spring is so you can get your allergies identified before hay fever season gets in full swing. In addition to an annual physical exam, you may also take this time to visit your dentist for dental cleaning and checkups. Your dentist may have a busy schedule so try and find one that has dental it support so they can make sure to give you an appointment as soon as possible.
By adding seasonal veggies to your diet, reading all the ingredients in your skincare products, stretching before your outdoor exercises, and putting on sunscreen you can keep your family healthy enough that you’ll pass your regular checkup without issue. Just be sure to have fun while you’re exploring all these tips and you’ll be able to maintain your family’s health throughout the spring and into the summer.
