The Fourth of July is almost here – a time in which we honor America’s birth as an independent nation. This holiday is often celebrated by pool parties, backyard barbeques, and nights filled with fireworks. While these things are wonderful, they can often come with avoidable dangers. The good news is that it’s possible to enjoy a day (or weekend for most) of balance. Here are seven tips to help you celebrate a healthier and happier Independence Day.
Eat Well & Practice Food Safety
Like most holidays, Independence Day comes with homecooked meals shared among friends and family. This year, incorporate a variety of nutritious options into your holiday menu. Include fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and lean proteins. The days can be long, so don’t forget about healthy snacks! Tip: Try grilling vegetables, making colorful salads, or serving homemade fruit popsicles for a refreshing treat.
Remember, if you are the one working the grill, make sure to handle and cook the food properly, use different plates for raw and cooked meat, and don’t leave food out in the sun for an extended period. Mishandling and undercooking food can result in guests feeling a miserable for a few hours to several days!
Chew your food!
Since holidays are synonymous with eating food and socializing, it’s important to take your time and chew your food. This tip sounds like common sense. But sometimes common sense isn’t common, and we can all easily get distracted. Take your time and enjoy your meal and the company that surrounds your table. Tip: For better enjoyment of meals, try chewing thoroughly, putting down your utensils and sipping water between bites, and engaging in conversation.
Hydrate
With warm weather and outdoor activities, it’s important to stay hydrated. With so much going on during the holidays, it’s common for people to forget to pause and drink water. Usually, when you feel thirsty, you are less hydrated than you think. Don’t wait to drink water! Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body well-hydrated and to enjoy a better holiday experience.
Protect Yourself from the Sun
If you’re spending time outdoors this Fourth of July, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more, but no sunscreen can block 100%. It is also important to remember that all SPFs last the same amount of time, so apply often. Tip: Other ideas for sun protection include wearing a hat, sunglasses, and lightweight, breathable clothing, as well as seeking shade whenever possible.
Stay Active
Engage in physical activities that celebrate the spirit of independence. Sure, your schedule might not allow a long, intense workout at your favorite gym, but a little still goes a long way. You can also organize a friendly game of soccer, a relay race with family and friends, or take a walk or a bike ride. Keeping active will boost your mood and contribute to your overall well-being.
Embrace Family & Community
Independence Day is a wonderful time to strengthen family bonds and engage with your community. Spending some time with others on the holidays is a great way to connect. Participate in activities, like local events or parades, that promote unity, respect, and gratitude for the freedoms we enjoy.
Practice Firework Safety
If you plan to include fireworks in your celebrations this year, always prioritize safety. If you are planning to put on your own firework display, be sure to take a little extra time and caution. Use only fireworks that are legal and permitted in your area, making sure to purchase from reliable sources. Select an open, outdoor area for lighting fireworks, and be sure the area is clear of bystanders (especially children and pets) and free of easily ignitable brush.
The essence of a healthy and happy Independence Day lies in appreciating our freedoms and loved ones, as well as nurturing our physical and mental well-being. So have fun, have a (lean) burger, and enjoy! Happy Fourth of July!
Keep in mind this holiday (and always) that if an accident happens and you need advice, our 24-Hour Help Nurses are just a phone call away. These nurses are available to assist Medical Associates Clinic patients and Medical Associates Health Plan members who have health-related questions, need medical advice, or need to reach a Medical Associates physician. Click here to learn more.
Sources:
https://www.revitalizeyoumd.com
https://www.bayhealth.org
https://www.aad.org/public
