As we enter summer, it’s important to keep your health in mind! Here are some quick reminders to keep your summer healthy.

1. Sunscreen: I can’t say it enough. Keep your kids and yourself protected from harmful rays. Avoid sunblock that contains  oxybenzone and octinoxate—they can mimic hormones and disrupt the hormone system. Instead, use a sunblock that have safer ingredients, like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone.
2. Kick up your workout routine! In between the patio parties and cookouts, look for opportunities to incorporate exercise in your leisure, like a volleyball game at the beach, a swim race at the pool or a family walk in the mornings.
3. Keep away the bugs and the chemicals. While it’s important to protect your exposed skin from bugs, you want to stay away from the toxic chemicals found in many bug repellants. Try some natural remedies, like upping your garlic intake (it repels bugs), wearing light long layers, and look for repellants that contain picaridin or lemon eucalyptus oil. Here’s a DIY recipe I love:

   Ingredients
   ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or witch hazel
   ¼ cup distilled water
   40 drops lemon eucalyptus oilDirections
   Mix the apple cider vinegar or witch hazel with the oil in a 6 oz. glass spray bottle. Then add the distilled water. Shake well each time before use. Make sure you clearly label it and keep out of the reach of children.

   Do not spray it directly on the face or on young children’s skin. Instead, spray it on your child’s clothes and hat.

4. Take time to set a routine of self-care, if you don’t have one already. One of the missing pieces I see in many’s attempt to improve health is leaving out self-care (even you, men. Ahem, Father’s Day is coming.) Set aside a dedicated time every week, at least 2-3 hours total, to spend time working on your mind and mental well-being. This could look like journaling, exploring your artistic side with music or art, getting a massage or facial (extra benefit great for your body and skin), or going on a walk in the wilderness. And your exercise doesn’t count! This is sacred time to focus on your thoughts and personal time!

Whatever your summer holds, I hope you enjoy it to the fullest and move closer to optimal health with every choice!