We’ve been fortunate enough to experience a beautiful summer here in New York without too much weather interruption. However, most veteran New Yorkers know that the heat and humidity in August can be pretty brutal for city dwellers. Today, I’m sharing some quick tips for surviving August and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through Labor Day.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! I can’t emphasize enough the importance of drinking water. When you sweat in the summer, you are not only losing water but key nutrients that help your body to function at its highest. I make sure to hydrate throughout the day by using a BPA-free reusable water bottle and bringing it with me wherever I go.
- Limit alcohol intake – especially during the day. Sometimes, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cold beer or two at a BBQ with family and friends. But alcohol is a diuretic that actually dehydrates the body, no matter how much liquid you are taking in. Be sure to continue to drink water while you sip that beer! A one to one glass of water to drink ratio is a good rule of thumb to follow.
- Beat the heat when working out! Make time to exercise in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are at low points. Earlier this summer, I shared a few more tips about exercising during the summer months!
- Dress for the heat. Wear light, breathable layers and fabrics to keep cool while keeping your skin protected. And never, ever leave the house without applying sunscreen on yourself and any children!
- Be a good neighbor. If you have elderly neighbors or family members, be sure to check in on them to make sure their air conditioning is running correctly and that they are drinking water, especially during heat waves. The very young and the elderly are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
- Check in and check out. If you are going on a vacation during the month of August, make sure to give yourself some time away from the daily stresses of work. Turn off your phone for a few hours to spend time with your family and do things you enjoy!
August can be a busy time for families, with vacations, back to school, and kids heading off to college. Be sure to practice healthy living and check in on any family members who may need your help. If you believe you are experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke, seek medical attention.
