As a teenager, summer is about fun in the sun, sleeping late, and hanging out with friends. However, during these extremely hot months, your teens are going to be spending a lot of time outside, which means they need to be more proactive with your health — and you, as parents, can help with this. Summer also means that you might not be as vigilant about being organized and keeping your teens’ appointments as you might be during the school year.
While it’s important to relax and have a good time during the summer, it’s also important to take care of yourself and your kids, and be keep your personal priorities in check. In this article, you’ll find a few tips to help you do both.
Keep therapy and doctor appointments
It’s super tempting to skip out on any doctors’ appointments or DBT therapy (for adolescents and teens) you might have during the summer months, especially if parents are overwhelmed at work. However, summer comes with its own set of problems, so appointments are just as important as they are during the school year. Make getting to your teens’ appointments a priority, for their mental and physical health. The Ross Center makes things more convenient and safe by holding telehealth meetings only. It’s also important to note that when families commit to 24-week program, they keep up with their appointments for optimal results.
Go for a swim
Exercise is also important during the summer months. During the school year, teens are always on the go, between classes and social activities. During the summer, things get much slower so it’s easier not to exercise the way they should. Teens can exercise in many different ways. Take a walk twice a day, go to the gym once a week, or simply go for a swim. In today’s world of social distancing, it’s probably best to stick to the pool in your own backyard, however. If you google “Lakeland pool builders” you’ll discover that pool building company Olympus Pools has everything it takes to make your yard the “happening place” to be with a wonderful in-ground pool you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Olympus Pools transforms your backyard into a gorgeous aquatic oasis with custom designs (including waterfalls!).
Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise out there, as it works your muscles, has health benefits, and is a form of relaxation at the same time.
Stay hydrated
Being out in the heat for hours at a time can take a toll on your body. That’s why it’s so important to stay hydrated at all times. From sports drinks to water with electrolytes in it, there are numerous ways to stay hydrated. One of the best ways is to keep a bottle of water with you at all times. Don’t wait until you feel dehydrated to drink, instead, take sips of the water constantly as you go about your day. Water doesn’t only keep you hydrated, it’s good for your complexion as well. Make sure your teen always has a water bottle on them at all times (and no, you’re not nagging if you remind them to drink more water!).
Get enough sleep
While nine times out of ten, teens are not going to have to set an alarm to get up during summer vacation, you do want them to stay on some kind of schedule. It’s still important for teens to get the required amount of hours of sleep a day to function well. Not getting enough sleep lowers your body’s ability to fight off summer colds and other viruses, so make sure you get that full eight hours.
Cut down on the junk food
Junk food and summer just seem to go hand-in-hand. However, you need to temper that junk food craving with real, healthy food also. Make sure to add plenty of salads, protein, fruits, and veggies to your summer diet. It’s good for you physically, mentally, and is also great for your skin.
These are just a few of the best tips for staying proactive with your teens’ health during summer vacation. While it’s always a good idea to have fun and relax, don’t forget to take care of your teens’ health at the same time.
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