by Thea Voutiritsas
Summer is just around the corner. In KC, that means the sweltering, dog breath days of summer are upon us. For some, that means breaking out the daisy dukes and spaghetti straps; and for others, it means doing laundry three times a day and sticking with light fabrics and colors. No matter how you choose to beat the heat, remember that your summer body is simply your body in the summer.
Summertime doesn’t mean you, or anyone else should to shed a few pounds. You don’t have to wear skin bearing clothes if you don’t want to. The most important thing is to wear what makes you comfortable, and what makes you feel confident. Here’s a list of things you should actually worry about this summer:
- Sun protection: Protecting your skin from damaging rays can curb your chances at cancer. Wearing sunscreen higher than SPF 15, or wearing hats to protect your face from the sun can help. Wearing lightweight clothing that covers your forearms or legs can be helpful too. Plus keeping your skin shaded will help keep you cool.
- Hydration: If your spending long spans of time out in the heat, you’ll need to replenish your body. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help prevent heatstroke.
- Bug prevention: avoiding mosquitoes seems to be easier for some than others. If you find yourself getting bit frequently, wear a bug spray or repellent to protect yourself from excess itching and even disease. Additionally, avoid sweet and flowery perfumes that may actually attract bees and other bugs.
- Water safety: When venturing into deep waters, wear a life jacket with the right fit. Whether out on a lake or in the ocean, even the best of swimmers can get cramps or fatigue. When in shallow water, be sure to take breaks and have ample wait time after eating before reentering the water.
Regardless of what you choose to wear, protecting your body year-round will help keep you happy. We hope you find these tips helpful, and have a wonderful and safe summer!