(--) Yes to a Safer Summer!

Hello!

Three BIG dangers of summer are (1) excessive sun exposure; (2) risks of dehydration; (3) dangers of insect bites including the risks of disease they may cause.  Whatever else is going on, we can be prepared for the big three.


Our skin is our largest organ and similar to a sponge, it is absorbent! So it’s important to take care in what we choose to put on our skin, and that of our children.  In summer, the skin is often exposed more since we tend to spend more time outdoors with less covering.  While some sun exposure is good for you, providing vitamin D and helping lift moods, the middle of the day’s rays can be overpowering.  Covering up with lightweight and light-colored clothing and wearing hats is good advice to help protect from overexposure to the sun.  


Staying hydrated may take some planning ahead and care to choose beverages wisely.  The Cleveland Clinic website states the following:


Some beverages are better than others at preventing dehydration. Water is all you need if you are planning to be active in a low or moderate intensity activity, such as walking, for only an hour or less. If you plan to be exercising longer than that, or if you anticipate being out in the sun for more than a few hours, you may want to hydrate with some kind of sports drink. These replace not only fluid, but also chemicals like sodium and potassium, which are lost through perspiration. Too much or too little sodium and potassium in the body can cause trouble. Muscle cramping may be due to a deficiency of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium.

Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, teas, and colas, are not recommended for optimal hydration. These fluids tend to pull water from the body and promote dehydration. Fruit juice and fruit drinks may have too many carbohydrates, too little sodium, and may upset the stomach. If you're going to drink fruit juices while exercising, you may try diluting them with 50% fruit juice and 50% water first.



Often folks grab the highest SPF numbered bottle thinking it will be the best protection, but it may be leading to false confidence. After a while, your sunscreen will need to be reapplied, such as after sweat or swimming, so a lower SPF can be even better if it has safer ingredients.


Want to protect your family from the dangers of summer but concerned about ingredients in items like sunscreens and bug sprays? Pay attention to medications and even certain essential oils that are “photosensitive” meaning that they up your risk for excessive sun exposure and you should avoid being out in the sun with their use.  (Check labels!)


Having had experience with tick-borne illness in my family I know that protection from insects in the outdoors is important.  Products with DEET are often recommended yet I know that DEET can also be dangerous, especially to young children, elderly or immune-compromised people.  

“Knowledge is power” and that’s what I want for you.  Power to know what to do this summer and be confident that you really are doing the best for your family.


I’ll leave it to you to do your own research on ingredients like DEET and petrochemicals and others in the run-of-the-mill products and decide for yourself.  If you, like me, decide that there must be a better way, you’ll be happy to know that there is!


Natural products like our mineral sunscreen lotion and DEET-free insect repellant can help you avoid undesirable ingredients.  Drinking water may be more palatable with the addition of AminoWise, which is formulated to help replenish the body after exercise and exertion, including a hydration mineral blend, a muscle recovery blend, plus a recovery blend. 

Instead of carbonated soft drinks or alcoholic beverages, try Zing!  It’s a delicious alternative that you’ll grab again and again.  

I hope this information has been helpful and that you and your family have a happy, safe summer!

Happy Oiling!
~Dawn


Disclaimer: Please remember that anything discussed herein does not constitute professional licensed legal or medical advice and is not a substitute for appropriate legal or medical advice suited to your individual situation or for your own due diligence.

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Dawn T. Baggett
Post Adoption (Mom) Coach 

“STANDING IN THE GAP FOR 2ND MOMS”


Hey - Are you an adoptive mom? 
Publishing this podcast & companion blog is one way that I stand in the gap for second moms with similar challenges to what I’ve gone through myself as an adoptive mom. 

You can listen & subscribe to the podcast for free on your favorite listening platform.  
(Scroll down for Apple Podcasts & Spotify links).

Plus I offer a free Facebook group for added support. Tap the JOIN LINK HERE for group access. 

Group members who want next level support through private coaching with me are invited to apply to  my private coaching program, Success For Second Moms.  

Through these avenues it’s my desire that many adoptive moms are able to close the gap and feel fully supported in a way that align with their Christian values and helps them grow in their faith while feeling more confident and empowered in their mom roles and beyond.