5 Ideas for a Fun and Safe Summer

I’m really excited that summer is here.  Every summer, I go out to Oklahoma and serve as a counselor at the largest Hebrew Roots/Messianic Youth Camp.  That is a highlight of my summer, but it has also taught me a lot about safety during summer.  Staying safe will not only help you enjoy the summer better, but it will also help prevent costly medical bills as well!

The weather is hot, the bugs are out, and so are the people!  Here are five ideas for a fun and safe summer that I have learned through my experiences at camp and in other ways.  Please note that I have no intention of giving medical advice; always, follow the advice of your doctor.  I am only giving you ideas. 

1.  Keep water with you at all times.  The number one cause of trouble in the summer is dehydration.  It can cause all sorts of problems.  I have even seen it cause someone to appear to be having a heart attack when it was really a muscle spasm based on dehydration.  Never assume something is not as bad as the symptoms; however, it was a very vivid lesson on how bad dehydration can be.  I do my best to get in all 8 glasses each day.

2. Have a basic first aid kit in your car or on your person in some manner.  I always carry band-aids, polysporin (like neosporin but less likely to cause an allergic reaction), and some moleskin (for blisters) in my purse.  I keep a more advanced kit nearby at home and when I’m going to be gone for a while.  Think cuts, scraps, sunburns, allergic reactions, etc. when planning.

3. Stay healthy.  It is easy to get busy with all the activities of summer and neglect your own body, but this is a time you want to make sure you stay healthy to enjoy the beautiful weather.  Make sure you are getting enough rest.  If I’m active I will drink an Emergen-C packet in a glass of water.  Emergen-C is a product you can pick up at your local grocery story very easily, and it is great at balancing your minerals and electrolytes in your body.  Our medical team at camp would immediately give this to someone who was beginning to show signs of dehydration.

4.  Avoid sodas.  When you are active during the summer, sodas are some of the worst things you can drink.  They drain your body of the needed nutrients.  Sports drinks are also not the best for you.  They are good at replenishing a drained body; however, they should not be drunk on a regular basis.  Research is showing more and more that water is what our bodies need the most not these other “fancy” versions.

5.  Don’t neglect your spiritual health.  God created the heavens and earth for our enjoyment.  While you are out enjoying His beautiful creation this summer, do not forget to spend time in prayer, study, and fellowship with other believers.  I personally love the summer fellowships of our congregation – picnics, grilling out, outdoor games, and even just taking my Bible out on the back porch to read.

I hope you have a great, fun, and safe summer!