Although we’re definitely enjoying the warm weather and long summer days, we’re also aware of the problems that come along with the season. Yes, there’s sunburns and weird tan lines galore, but what about all of the little things you forget about? Summer slip, summer colds, and more… summer bummers can really bring down the spirit of the season.
Summer definitely has some quirks and “problems” that are specific to warm months. Here are some easy ways to avoid summer mishaps and to stay on your grind this year.
Summer Colds
Even though they’re more rare than their winter “common cold” counterparts, summer colds are still pretty common. It can be too easy to associate cold season with winter time and slack off with prevention during the summer. Stay on your health game by being careful of where you put your hands, and washing them regularly once they’ve touched something gross. Don’t share drinks and think twice about that communal bowl of snacks at the barbecue, and don’t hesitate to carry a bottle of hand sanitizer around with you. It’s also wise to boost your immunity this time of year with a multi-vitamin
and extra Vitamin C
.
“Summer Slip”
Remember when you were in school, and you didn’t remember a whole lot of information between the end of last year and the beginning of the new one? That’s referred to as the “summer slip,” and if you have goals you want to reach at the end of the season, you should be concerned. You don’t have to eschew fun in lieu of productivity, but you should find a way to combine having fun with getting things done so you can have the best of both worlds.
As an example, if you need to study for the GRE all summer, study outside in the sunshine and enjoy the weather. If you want to learn more about local history, invite a friend on an outing to a museum. There are lots of ways to hustle to your goal while still having fun, you just need to make doing it a priority.
Mitigate Dehydration with Electrolyte Tablets
In the summer months we tend to forget that we’re sweating more, losing more water and probably consuming more alcohol at those bbq’s, so you’ll want to increase your h2o intake. In addition to drinking more water, you can take electrolyte tablets to help you stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle on you at all times and pop an electrolyte tablet
in it a couple times a day, especially if you’re exercising or hanging out in the sunshine.
Heat Rash
Those summer tank tops you’ve been looking forward to? Make sure that they’re made of lightweight, breathable fabrics. Though any heat rash you develop will most likely go away in a few days, don’t forget to use lighter lotions on your skin. Give your skin a chance to breathe, and it will thank you.
Breakouts
No, you’re not imagining things, your skin does break out more in the summer months. Sweat, sunscreen, sun exposure, and hormonal changes can all cause your skin to clog more. If you find your skin is breaking out, check to make sure your sunscreen is non-comeodogenic. Sunscreen
often causes breakouts, so you’ll want to make sure you’re using one that doesn’t clog pores. You’ll want to switch to oil-free, anti-acne products for your foundation and skincare. It’s also wise to keep your bangs off your forehead to prevent breakouts and to keep your hats clean. If you’re wearing a hat, fold and place a tissue on the band area that touches your forehead to prevent bacteria and buildup.
Expensive Airfare
Looking for a cheap, last minute vacation? Don’t hold your breath. Airlines know that summer is the season for travel and they bring up prices accordingly. Aside from avoiding June, the most popular travel month, you can save some cash by using apps to find you cheap travel. Fareness and Wanderu will help find the cheapest prices to your dream destination, just remember to be okay with atypical travel times and you’ll save even more money.
Tick Bites
Mosquitos are easily driven away by bug spray,
so you can focus specifically on avoiding tick bites this summer. Ticks carry a variety of viruses within them and can cause Lyme disease. If you are going into wooded areas, make sure your arms and legs are not exposed and always be sure to check your body from head to toe after being in the wilderness. Ticks attach painlessly, often on hidden parts of your body such as in the groin area or on your scalp and they can often be mistaken for moles. Also, it’s important to know what they look like (see below) so you can identify and remove them quickly. If a tick does attach, be careful about removing it as the head can often get embedded in the skin and cause an infection.
Another easy deterrent? Check your dog for ticks and make sure it wears an anti-tick collar. Not only will you learn what to look for, but you’ll be making sure your dog is safe. If you do find a tick on yourself or your pet, here’s how to remove it:
How to remove a tick
- Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible.
- Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Don’t twist or jerk the tick; this can cause the mouth-parts to break off and remain in the skin. If this happens, remove the mouth-parts with tweezers. If you are unable to remove the mouth easily with clean tweezers, leave it alone and let the skin heal.
- After removing the tick, thoroughly clean the bite area and your hands with rubbing alcohol, an iodine scrub, or soap and water.
- Dispose of a live tick by submersing it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag/container, wrapping it tightly in tape, or flushing it down the toilet. Never crush a tick with your fingers.
