Summer is now upon us, and Colorado residents are ready to take advantage of the warm weather. It’s a great time to get outside and spend time with family and friends, but due to the weather changes that mark the season, there are a few things to consider when it comes to maintaining your health.

Take a look at these summer health tips to make the most of your summer.

#1- Stay Hydrated

During the summer, rising temperatures make it much easier for individuals to dehydrate. As such, it’s important to drink plenty of water to beat the Colorado heat. It’s recommended that adults drink between 2.5 and 3.5 liters of water each day; if you’re going to be outside, you’ll likely need more.

#2- Wear Sunscreen

The sun’s UV rays are more unforgiving during Colorado summers, so if you’re spending time outdoors, you should be wearing sunscreen to prevent sunburns which increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

In addition to applying sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, it’s also good to wear some form of covering (long sleeves, hats, etc.) and avoid long, direct sun exposure.

#3- Eat a Healthy Diet

Many people set summer health goals, and improving their diet should be one of them. During the summer, adding more fruit and vegetables to your diet is beneficial, as this change provides your body with the vitamins and nutrients it needs and helps keep the body hydrated between servings of water.

#4- Get Moderate Exercise

Summer is an excellent time to focus on adopting new physical activities. The days are longer, and as such, more daylight hours are available for exercise. You don’t have to dedicate your summer to vigorous workouts, but a little more movement goes a long way. If you want to beat the Colorado heat, exercising at dusk, dawn, or indoors is always an option if you want to beat the Colorado heat.

#5- Use Insect Repellent

If you plan to spend a lot of time outside during the upcoming Colorado summer, it’s a good idea to use insect repellent. Mosquitoes are most active in Colorado between April and October. Because these insects are often a vector for diseases (ex: Lyme Disease, malaria, and yellow fever), taking protective measures against bug bites is a wise choice.

Summer is an enjoyable time for Colorado residents. Kids are out of school, neighbors are hosting outdoor get-togethers, and the 4th of July fireworks are right around the corner. Optimizing your summer health is one more way to get the most enjoyment out of season.