5 Summer Health Tips for Women 

Summer is full of some of the best days of the year – vacations, beach days, and warm weather.  To fully enjoy the summer months, the Crisp Regional Women’s Center has put together a list of a few things women should keep in mind.

1. Wear Sunglasses – Prevent migraines 

Many women who suffer from migraines year-round report experiencing more migraines in the summer. Summertime means sunshine and time outside.  But without proper eye protection, you may find yourself squinting, straining your face muscles and creating tension in your face and head.   
Additionally, the high summer temperatures can cause heat exhaustion.  When a person experiences heat exhaustion, her body loses the ability to produce enough sweat to keep the body cool.  This can cause migraines as well as nausea and fatigue.  Wear sunscreen, drink plenty of fluids, and don’t stay in high temperatures for too long.   

 2. Don’t sit in wet bathing suits or clothes for too long. 

While sitting outside under the sun after cooling off in the pool might sound like a great way to spend a summer afternoon, it may not be advisable.  Yeast infections are more common during the summer because of yeast’s tendency to thrive in a cool, damp environment. 
Changing out of wet bathing suits and clothes as soon as possible can help ensure that you don’t develop an uncomfortable infection.  If you do think you have an infection, see a doctor for treatment. 

3. Stay Hydrated. 

When you spend a lot of time outside in the heat, your body must work hard to produce sweat and cool you down.  If you aren’t drinking enough water, your body can’t keep you cool, and you could become dehydrated or experience heat exhaustion. It’s best to be on top of staying hydrated so that you don’t experience these symptoms. It is important to know what kind of fluids will hydrate you and which will just make you dehydrated more quickly. 

• Water – you can’t go wrong with drinking water.  It is the best way to ensure that your body is getting the fluids it needs. 
• Coconut water – Not only is coconut water good for hydration but it also naturally contains electrolytes which will help your body function and maintain energy in the heat. 
• Alcohol  – It isn’t uncommon to enjoy some alcohol by the pool or with some barbecue, but drinking alcohol only causes dehydration.  If you do decide to drink, just make sure you are also drinking plenty of water. 

4. Take care of your skin. 

 Summer brings warmer temperatures, more humidity, and more sun exposure.  All of these things affect your skin, so it is important to know how to care for your skin as the weather changes.

5. Use bug spray and sunscreen. 

When summer days are spent by the beach, and summer nights are full of songs around the campfire, you’ll need protection from UV rays and mosquitos.  When choosing a sunscreen, it is best to go with a high SPF that is waterproof.  It is also smart to avoid bug sprays full of chemicals that may be harmful.  There is usually a pretty good selection of natural bug sprays available, which are safer for your skin. 
Taking care of yourself is important every day, but the following these tips will ensure that your summer is happy and healthy.