With great heat comes great responsibility! We all want to take a break from our hectic lives and lay poolside for the afternoon to catch up on some sun. While it seems harmless, there are many precautions to take in order to have a truly enjoyable day. Whether you’re going to a water park for the day or relaxing at the pool for a few hours, these tips will keep you happy, healthy and ready for fun.
Tip 1: Eat before and after you swim. Now you don’t want to eat too much right before a swim, or the wrong foods for that matter. The best foods to eat before a swim are small amounts of carbohydrates an hour before to feel more energized. After swimming, stick to anything high in protein, such as a protein bar, chicken or eggs.
Tip 2: Sunscreen… Apply. Apply. Apply. We all know we’re supposed to reapply sunscreen often, but the recommended time is every hour and a half to two hours; more frequently if we are actively swimming. Try to use any UVA/UVB sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher to block harmful rays.
Tip 3: Stay hydrated! Swimming can be a strenuous activity, which (believe it or not) causes us to sweat a lot! Drink lots of water before, during and after swimming to avoid headaches, dizziness, tiredness and cramping, as these can cause other serious issues when spending time at the pool.
Sunburns and dizziness are absolutely avoidable by applying these tips to your next pool day. Your day at the pool will be that much more enjoyable for you and your family and friends. Head over to http://www.cdc.gov/features/healthyswimming/ for more information for how to have a safe and fun pool day this summer.