The time has come! You finally have the opportunity to escape the office and hit the beach. In the midst of excitement, you leave water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses at home. Lying out on the sand, playing in the water and drinking cokes from the beach stand all are what you consider a day of fun. However, on the return home you look like a lobster and are in pain like one pinched you – not to mention that you are completely thirsty and your eyes just want to sleep.

While getting out of the office to enjoy some summer days is important in keeping you motivated and productive, making wise decisions are of equal value. Health complications can be prevented or prolonged depending on the action you take each day. Implementing some general health practices into all aspects of your life brings great rewards. Enjoy more days in positive spirits and condition, including more energy, a stronger immune system and better efficiency. By following some advice, you will find yourself having fun while maintaining your overall wellbeing.

Protect Your Skin
There are several measures you can take to protect the shell of your body. Sunburns lead to peeling, blisters, skin disorders or cancer. Take preventative measures to avoid the negative effects of spending too much time outside unprotected.

• Avoid the hottest parts of the day between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when possible. Since this is the time when many children and adults like to play outside, take other precautions.

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher regularly throughout the day as needed to prevent sunburn. There are many brands and varieties, so choose the type that you prefer to wear.

• If you are swimming or sweating, use waterproof sunscreen so that it doesn’t rub off as easily.

• Wear SPF lip balm to protect your lips.

• Apply lotion at the end of the day to keep your skin hydrated. If you have a sunburn, look for lotions and skin gels that include aloe vera.

• Wear protective clothing when playing outside. Since concrete surfaces absorb the heat, make sure you wear shoes to avoid blisters and burns on the bottom of your feet.

• Find shade or use an umbrella to keep the sun off your skin and your body cooler.

• Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays to prevent permanent damage.

• Wear a hat with a wide brim to prevent squinting and to keep from burning your eyes.

• Avoid staring at the sun.

• Slowly increase spending time in the sun and heat. Adapting to the warmer temperatures makes it easier to adjust to the demands required of your body.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and maintain energy.

• Stay away from caffeinated beverages, which will slow you down and absorb the water in your body.

• Recognize when your body needs to go inside to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

• Taking time to rest rejuvenates your system and provides energy. Catch enough sleep at night and enjoy some quiet time out of the sun to recuperate from a day’s activities.

• Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing to keep your circulation moving and to let your body stay cool.