North Carolina Summer Health Tips – 2023
Summer is our favorite season of the year. The long, sunny days of summer make it the perfect time to enjoy North Carolina’s beautiful mountains, forests, and beaches. Unfortunately, summer also brings special health challenges – staying hydrated, dealing with the heat, avoiding sunburn, and dealing with ticks, to name a few.
Staying healthy is the best way to take advantage of everything that summer in North Carolina has to offer. Don’t miss out on the fun – here are a few North Carolina summer health tips to keep you safe and energized all season long.
1. Hydration is Key
As the temperature rises in North Carolina, so does the risk of dehydration. Staying hydrated is the best way to avoid dehydration. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Humidity can cause noticeable water reduction through sweat, so pay attention. Avoid excessive consumption of sugary drinks and alcohol, as they can contribute to dehydration.
2. Protect Against Ticks
Ticks are a common summer pest in North Carolina. Ticks attach themselves to our bodies to feed on our blood. If that’s not disgusting enough, they can also transmit Lyme disease and other illnesses.
When spending time outdoors, especially in wooded or grassy areas, take precautions to prevent tick bites. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toe shoes. Apply insect repellent containing DEET to exposed skin, and check yourself and your pets for ticks after outdoor activities. If you find a tick, carefully remove it using tweezers and clean the area thoroughly.
3. Stress Reduction
Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and rejuvenation. Sometimes it can be anything but. Chronic stress has been shown to have a long-term negative impact on your health. Here are some tried and true North Carolina summer health tips for relieving stress: take advantage of the state’s serene beaches, practice mindfulness, and engage in activities that bring you joy. Massage, light exercise, and calming music can help your body escape the fight or flight response that comes with high stress.
4. Embrace Outdoor Exercise
Engaging in regular physical activity not only helps you maintain a healthy weight but also boosts your mood and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Exploring state parks, taking a hike along the Blue Ridge Mountains, or enjoying a refreshing swim in the Outer Banks are just a few of the outdoor activities North Carolina has to offer. Just remember to wear appropriate clothing, apply sunscreen, and stay hydrated during your outdoor adventures.
5. Cleaning for Toxins and Molds
Humidity levels tend to rise during summer in North Carolina, creating an environment that promotes the growth of molds and other allergens. Regularly clean and ventilate your living space to prevent the accumulation of dust, mold, and toxins. Use natural cleaning products or those labeled as non-toxic to reduce chemical exposure. Keep an eye out for signs of mold growth, such as musty odors or visible spots, and address them promptly to maintain a healthy indoor environment.
6. Eat Healthy
Summer is also the time to enjoy fresh, seasonal local produce. North Carolina is known for its agricultural diversity, so take advantage of local farmers’ markets to stock up on fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Opt for lighter meals that include salads, grilled vegetables, and lean proteins. Stay mindful of food safety, especially when picnicking or barbecuing!
Achieve Your Best Health with Functional Medicine
While sunscreen and hydration are important things to remember when it comes to summer health tips, there’s much more to overall well-being than these surface-level factors. Functional medicine offers a holistic approach to health that focuses on optimizing the functioning of the entire body. By addressing the root causes of health issues and considering the interconnectedness of various bodily systems, functional medicine aims to improve overall vitality and energy levels.
By adopting a functional medicine approach, you can address underlying imbalances, optimize nutrition, manage stress, support detoxification, and promote optimal sleep. This comprehensive approach ensures that your body is functioning optimally, allowing you to feel energetic, resilient, and ready to embrace whatever summer brings.
Remember, before making any significant changes to your exercise or dietary routines, consult with a healthcare professional, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions.
By following these summer health tips, you can fully enjoy the beauty and activities that North Carolina has to offer while safeguarding your well-being. Stay active, hydrated, and stress-free, and make the most of this wonderful season in the Tar Heel State.
Learn more about Carolinas Natural Health and functional medicine.
