Summer Fun, How to Keep Feeling Good and Enjoying Yourself

Summer is all about having fun in the sun and the outdoors.  People are more active during the summer, while the weather is great.  With increased activity, can come increased aches and pains.   Here are some tips to keep you feeling good and able to keep having fun.

1. Increase the amount of water you drink.  The heat takes it out of you.  Give yourself enough water to prevent dangerous dehydration.  The best and easiest way to check your hydration is to look at the color of your urine.  The ideal color is of faint lemonade.  Any darker and you are dehydrated, in serious need of more water.  If your urine is clear, you are also in dangerous territory and over-hydrated.  Be sure to slow down your water intake and also ingest some electrolytes to replenish what you've lost - something like Gatorade will do the trick.
2. Prepare for the sun - wear appropriate clothing - a hat during activity is a good choice to keep the sun off your head and neck.  You can also put ice in your hat if you are really overheated, a trick I use during races.  Sun screen and adequate sunglasses will protect your skin and eyes.
3. Stretch!  Before you engage in activity, it's important to warm up.  Dynamic Stretching is great to get the blood flowing and get your muscles ready to move.  After you have finished the activity, don't forget to leave time for stretching.  Yard Work is especially hard on your back and muscles, be sure to do your static stretches after activity, so you won't be as sore and tight in the morning.
4. Eat Healthy.  It seems easier to eat better in the summer because we typically don't feel like eating heavy carb-laden meals when it's hot out.  Remember that the food you put in your body is your fuel.  You want to put in good fuel to burn.  Fruits and vegetables are abundant in the summertime, try eating more of those to get yourself into a better lifestyle and eating habit as the winter months approach.  The more colors you ingest, the more vitamins you naturally cover and introduce to your body.
5. See your Chiropractor!  I am here to help you achieve any of these goals and to keep your body moving and active.  Just like you change the oil in your car regularly, I am the body's answer.  Regular adjustments and treatments keep you healthy, feeling good and helps prevent illness or injury.  If I haven't seen you this month, it's time to schedule.  Looking forward to seeing you this week!

Call Dr. Wilke at (630) 723-8983 with any questions!