Your body was designed to adapt. Help it thrive this summer.
By Dr. Kurt Larsen, DC
Summer is one of my favorite times of year. It’s a season for family vacations, afternoons on the lake, gardening, backyard barbecues, and enjoying God’s beautiful creation. But every summer, I also see patients whose fun has been interrupted by dehydration, heat exhaustion, muscle cramps, headaches, or fatigue. The good news is that many heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple habits.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to protect yourself is to stay ahead of the heat—not behind it. By the time you feel thirsty, your body may already be becoming dehydrated.
Dr. Kurt’s Summer Health Tips
- Drink water consistently throughout the day instead of waiting until you’re thirsty.
- Enjoy water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumbers, berries, oranges, and tomatoes to help replace fluids naturally.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing when spending time outdoors.
- Schedule walks, yard work, or exercise during the cooler morning or evening hours.
- If you begin feeling dizzy, unusually tired, develop muscle cramps, or experience a headache, move into the shade, cool down, and rehydrate immediately.
One thing I love teaching my patients is that your nervous system helps regulate your body’s temperature, heart rate, and ability to adapt to stress—including summer heat. The healthier your body functions, the better equipped it is to handle seasonal changes.
This week, challenge yourself to make one healthy change. Drink an extra bottle of water, enjoy fresh seasonal fruits, or take a morning walk before the day heats up. Small choices repeated every day often produce the greatest health benefits.
To learn more about preventing heat-related illness, visit the CDC Heat Safety page or search “heat illness prevention” on PubMed.
Dr. Kurt’s Takeaway
Your body was designed to adapt. Give it the water, movement, rest, and care it needs, and you’ll enjoy a healthier, safer, and more active summer.
Dr. Kurt Larsen, DC, FICS, is an instructor, Wellness Coach, and owns Chiropractic Today at 10C Ponderosa Way in Hot Springs Village. 501-623-9355.
{Dr. Larsen’s articles are archived on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/dr-kurt-larsen.}
