Page 88 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2024

HEALTH HACKS
story by Nickie Harris-Ray
It’s the summertime. People will soon be vacationing and tapping into the lazy and hazy days of summer habits that can easily lead to unhealthy habits. While it is more
challenging to maintain beneficial health habits while vacationing or while in a leisure season, many simple steps can be taken to help maintain healthy habits.
Planning to attend a beachside luau or a summer party? The spread of food, often high in
sauces, sugar, and calories, can be tempting. But here’s a
tip: snack on healthy options like fruits, veggie sticks, or mixed nuts before the party. This
will help curb your hunger and prevent you from overindulging in the delicious spread.
The summer heat can be relentless, especially in the South. While sunscreen might not be everyone’s favorite, it’s
crucial to protect your skin. Did you know that many of your daily products, like lotions, moisturizers, and makeup, contain SPF? These products can help fight against premature aging and skin cancers, so be sure to try and use them.
Fight liquor repercussions with water, though
the never-ending access to summer cocktails is tempting. As
good as they may taste, many contain sugar and are very dehydrating. Combat the negative results by chasing one drink with one glass of water. Yes, you will run to the bathroom more often, but this preventative measure will help with morning consequences and beyond.
Speaking of water, drink more water. According to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, men should drink about 15 cups a day, and women should drink about 11 cups of water a day.
Take the road less travelled to your destination. At work or at your destination, park your car further away so that more energy is expelled as you walk to the end of
your journey. If you’re headed to the third floor,
take the steps instead of the elevator. If you’re
headed to the park around the corner, ride your
bike instead of driving.
These simplistic hacks can help keep healthy habits while the temptations of sluggish summer days and nights drag on.
88 | June 2024 www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living