At Medics USA, there’s nothing we love more than helping our patients to be the happiest, healthiest versions of themselves that they can possibly be. There’s no doubt that it takes hard work, but did you know that it doesn’t have to be as hard as you think it will be? All too often, we imagine that getting healthier will involve a diet of salads and hours of hard work at the gym every single day.
The good news is that in today’s post, we’ll be sharing a few small things that you can do to improve your health this summer without spending a lot of time and money. If that’s something that sounds appealing to you, keep reading to learn more!
Physician-Approved Ways to Get Healthy This Summer
Take a Walk
An often-underrated form of exercise, the good old fashioned walk is a great way to stay active in the summer when it’s just too hot to do much else. Numerous studies have shown that a 20 minute walk has various health benefits. Needless to say, doing something is better than doing nothing, and a quick walk is sure to invigorate you without exhausting you.
Our advice is to take a walk early in the morning before the sun comes up to stay as cool as possible or to wait until the sun starts to set. After all, those are often the most beautiful times of the day, so you might as well be outside to enjoy them!
Eat Better
As we mentioned above, people have certain preconceived notions about eating healthy. In many instances we picture bland chicken breasts and salads that have no flavor. The truth is that it’s easier than ever to eat healthier! There are countless websites out there that are dedicated to providing healthy recipes, many of which are inexpensive.
Another thing to consider is that you don’t have to fully change your eating habits. The most sustainable thing you can do is to make small changes because those are the ones that will last. In other words, eating better doesn’t have to feel like punishment. Instead, simply tweaking a few things or replacing unhealthy ingredients with their healthier counterparts can make all the difference in the world.
Eat Less
Last, but certainly not least, is simply eating less. We know that it’s the middle of the summer, and that means cookouts with burgers, brats, and hot dogs. Side dishes usually consist of chips, potato salads, and hors dourves. And as we all know, there are countless dessert options in the summer that are too good to pass up.
It would be unrealistic to think that people can simply avoid all of those things. After all, summer only comes around once each year, and you might as well take advantage of the great summer foods while you can! Our advice is to simply eat less of those things. For example, if you used to grab a burger and a brat, then load your plate with potato chips, maybe consider choosing one or the other and supplementing your meal with corn on the cob (without loads of salt and butter). At the end of the day, you can still enjoy the things you want, but it’s never a bad idea to make it a point to eat less of them.
Is It Time for a Physical?
Summer is a great time to come in and visit the team at Medics USA for your annual physical exam as well. We can help to ensure that you are prepared for whatever comes your way this summer. If you’re in need of a primary care provider, we’d love to see you! With locations in Ashburn and Falls Church in VA and Dupont Circle and Columbia Heights in DC, our goal is to provide you with the most comprehensive care possible.
And, of course, if you find yourself in need of urgent care near you, you can also visit the location near you to experience our kind, compassionate, and friendly care for yourself. As summer winds down, we urge you to get out there and have fun while staying healthy. From the Medics USA team to you, we hope you have a great summer!