We experienced several beautiful days of weather during the Barton County Fair and ended with a couple that were hot and humid!
As we move through July and August, the temperatures continue to stay warm and it is important to be prepared to stay healthy and hydrated. The Barton County Health Department’s Public Health newsletter includes some great tips that may seem like common sense but I know I didn’t pay enough attention during the last day of the fair and ended up not feeling very well.
Staying hydrated – we often think of drinking water which is very important but other great sources can include fruits and vegetables. Things like strawberries, watermelon, grapes, cucumbers and much more can help with hydration as well as providing good nutrition. Fruit salads, vegetables with hummus or yogurt-based dips, or fruit smoothies can help keep us cool. One of my personal favorite smoothies includes coconut water, frozen mangoes, vanilla protein powder, a small squirt of honey, and a bit of ginger in a blender….cool, refreshing, and lots of good ingredients! And as odd as it may sound, a very cold glass of milk helped reset my system on Sunday when I had gotten too warm and not eaten enough for all of the running around that I was doing.
Enjoy the sun safely – protect your skin with sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Be sure to take plenty of breaks in the shade when you will be out for long periods of time. Being active outdoors is good for us but taking a walk or weeding the garden may be best saved for early morning or later in the evening. My family farms and several of the guys wear shirts that help with sun protection as well as making sure that their ears and the backs of their necks have regular sunscreen applications.
So, keep your water bottle handy, load up on fruits and veggies, wear your sun protection, and be sensible about time in the heat and sun.
Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!
Michelle Beran is a Family and Community Wellness Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other K-State Extension resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.
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