Get Outside!

There are countless ways to get outside this summer! With Covid-19 restrictions easing around the country, many are looking for ways to connect with friends and family for some outdoor fun. Whether you enjoy fast-paced activities or more leisurely options, make sure you get yourself outside! We’ve created a few ideas to get you started:

• Nature hike
• Bike ride
• Swimming
• Day trip adventure
• Camping
• Picnic
• Barbeque
• Hammock swing (perfect for reading or even work)
• Farmer’s market visit
• Gardening
• Bird watching
• Stargazing
• Horseback riding
• Wash the car
• Boat ride

Challenge yourself to make an outside wish list this summer and try to cross off as many as you can! If you’d like s’more ideas of how to get outside, take a look at SnowFit for some summer activities and workouts our Workplace Services team has compiled for us all!

If you need new equipment for any of the activities on your list, visit PerkSpot and look around. You might be able to find some great discounts!

Protect Your Skin

During this time of year, many of us try to spend as much time outside as possible. Pools, beaches, barbeques with friends – they’re all outside! Whether you’re going for a run or hiking in the mountains, getting outside reduces stress and increases vitamin D. While the benefits of getting outside are irrefutable, it’s also important to be mindful of the sun’s effect on our skin – during the summer and year-round.

Many skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet light. UV can also damage our skin cells, our eyes, and can cause premature aging. Here are some great tips on how to mitigate UV damage while still spending time in the great outdoors.

Effective Sun Protection

Sunscreen: Put on sunscreen every day! Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and apply on all exposed skin before you go outside. Get help with hard-to-reach places, and make sure to reapply every two hours; especially after swimming or sweating! Important note: Sunscreen is not recommended for babies six months or younger. Try to keep them out of the sun instead.

• Shade: Find those shady spots at the park or at the beach! By staying under an umbrella, tree, or awning, you’ll reduce your sun exposure. But remember, you still need sunscreen even when you’re in the shade.
• Clothing: There are so many great options for UV protection clothing. Even if you don’t have UV-certified protectant apparel, wearing long sleeves and pants or long skirts can also help with UV protection. Did you know that clothes made from tightly woven fabric offers the best protection? And don’t forget the wide-brimmed hat! Keep those rays off your face.
• Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts by wearing sunglasses regularly outside. Find a pair that offers UVA and UVB protection (most sold in the U.S. do) and don’t forget to put them on. Helpful tip: keep a pair in your car at all times.
• Check the UV Index: The UV index forecasts the strength of UV rays. It’s easy to find – just check the weather app on your phone. If the UV index is three or higher, make sure to protect your skin from too much sun exposure.

Check out more tips from our medical carriers below, and don’t forget to schedule your annual skin cancer screening.

• Kaiser Permanente: Protecting Your Skin From the Sun
• Cigna: Protecting Your Skin From the Sun

Proper Nutrition and Hydration

Eating right and staying hydrated is so important for us to live healthy lives. A healthy diet can help protect us from diseases such as diabetes, stroke, cancer, obesity, heart disease, and so much more. Eating well also provides us with energy so we can do our best, every day. Additionally, staying hydrated does so much for our bodies including increased energy and reduced fatigue!

While ice cream and burgers are basically a summer diet staple, there are many ways to maintain a healthy diet throughout the warmer months.

• Farmer’s Market: Visit a farmer’s market for fresh, local produce. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of fruit and veggies available in the warmer months. This will not only increase your fresh produce intake, but it will taste great too.
• Choose Lean Meats: A burger is perfect for a night out with friends, but on a regular basis, select options that are high in protein and low in fat, like chicken or fish. Try to keep this in mind when eating out as well.
• Water Bottle: Make sure to take a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go! If you have a hard time remembering to drink water during the day, set a regular alarm on your phone until it becomes a habit.

For more tips on eating well and staying hydrated this summer and throughout the year, check out the following resources and recipes from your medical plan:

• Kaiser Permanente: Healthy lifestyle programs
• Cigna: Eating Well

Vacations

What better time to take a vacation than summer? There are so many great options and you can’t beat the weather.

While planning and taking a vacation is exciting, managing pet care, child care, and even elder care can be stressful. For help with securing care, be sure to visit Lyra Health. Once there, click on “find dependent care,” and you’ll be able to search for the help you need so you can take that vacation worry-free!

Before you leave, be sure to visit PerkSpot to see all the savings available to Snowflake employees. With PerkSpot you have access to exclusive pricing and discounts on thousands of products and services including car rentals and hotels, restaurant gift cards, and more.

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