3 Tips for a Healthy Summer

(NC) With summer underway, the feeling of warm sunshine and the lure of the cool lakeside can lull you into thinking nothing can go wrong. But making poor health choices happens more easily than you’d expect this time of year. Avoid them by following these tips:

Don’t forget to screen up. Sunscreen can seem like a precaution for kids, and the Coppertone baby certainly doesn’t help with that image. But a little precaution goes a long way. It takes less sun exposure than you expect to start working on that killer sunburn you’ll be nursing for the next two weeks. Why not save yourself the hassle with a quick application of sunscreen? Not to mention the long-term benefits of protecting yourself from the harms of sun exposure, like melanoma.

Stay hydrated. Did you know that by the time you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated? That’s why it’s important to make sure you get enough liquids in the summer heat. Water is best, but you can also boost your hydration with fruit like watermelon. Be sure to get plenty of shade and take breaks when exercising outdoors.

Be careful what trends you follow. The summer can feel like a good time to take up new hobbies and try out new things, but you should leave some of them on the shelf. Picking up smoking is not a healthy choice; vaping isn’t a smart choice for non-smokers either. Vaping still exposes you to harmful chemicals, and often still delivers nicotine, which is addictive. Keep your summer skies clear, and leave the tobacco and vaping products behind. If you are a smoker and are not ready to quit nicotine, completely replacing cigarette smoking with vaping will reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.

Get the facts about vaping and smoking at Canada.ca/vaping.