What items do I need to pack in my beach bag for the summer?

June 18th, 2013

The summer is a great time to go outdoors, get some fresh air, and some much needed vitamin D.  It is also a time for potential injuries.  Here are my top 10 items to throw into your beach bag or hiking bag and why they are must-haves for the summer.

• Sunscreen with SPF 30+: Studies have shown that sunscreen can prevent premature aging of the skin.  Long term exposure to harmful UV rays also increase your risk of skin cancer.
• Lip balm with SPF 30+:  Don’t forget that your lips are very sensitive and vulnerable to sunburn.
• Sunglasses with thick sides:  Pollen floating in the air can stick onto your eyeballs, causing itching and irritation if you suffer from seasonal allergies.  Sun can also reach your eyes from the sides.
• Coconut water:  When the weather gets hot, sweating can leave you with low levels of potassium.  Make sure that you hydrate with a fluid containing potassium.  Coconut water has plenty of this electrolyte without excess sugar and calories.
• Insect repellent with Deet:  Mosquitoes and ticks can transmit diseases such as West Nile Virus and Lyme disease.  Protect yourself by making sure you spray exposed areas before hiking or walking through tall grasses.
• Wide brimmed hat:  The sun can be very intense especially if you are out for the whole day.  Your hair may cover some of your scalp, but sunburns and skin cancers are very common on the top of the head.  We often are not able to apply sunscreen on those areas because of the hair.  A wide brim is important to make cover your forehead and neck.
• Fruits:  They provide potassium and are rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants.  You need these to protect against the harmful radiation from the sun.  Summer is a great time to enjoy locally grown produce.
• Antibacterial ointment:  During the summer, we all get scrapes and injuries.  Make sure you keep them clean by washing them immediately with gentle soap and water.  Then apply antibacterial ointment to keep them from getting infected.
• Hydrocortisone cream:  Bug bites can cause tremendous amount of itching.  Hydrocortisone cream can alleviate those symptoms.
• Beach ball, frisbee, running shoes, or yoga mat:  Summer is a great time to exercise, burn calories, and get in shape.  Reach your fitness goals this summer!  You’ll look and feel great!