Ten Summer Health Tips for Men

A certain male stereotype exists that suggests that all men must become "extreme" as the weather grows better and summertime approaches. To some extent, many men do become more active and spend more time outside. However, attention must be paid to the health risks and opportunities that summer poses for men. If you are a man and looking for tips on how to stay healthy this summer, here are ten suggestions on how you can do this.

Summer Health Tip for Men #1 - Stay Hydrated

Many men run the risk of dehydration during the summer months by spending a lot of time outside without receiving proper amounts of hydration. Stay hydrated during the summer months by keeping a water bottle handy and paying attention to signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or dark urine. If you feel dehydrated, stop doing the activity and work to restore water and electrolytes in your body with fruit or a dilute sports drink.

Summer Health Tip for Men #2 - Be Active

If you feel like you could stand to lose some weight, summer is the best time to start a workout program. The weather is nicer and your range of options is much greater than in any other season. Staying active will help improve almost every aspect of your health.

Summer Health Tip for Men #3 - Don't Overdo Yourself

If you've been inactive for any period of time, take it slowly as you begin to be more active. Staying healthy is not about being macho or extreme. An injury early in the summer could prevent you from participating in summer vacation activities or many other opportunities. Listen to your body as you do things this summer.

Summer Health Tip for Men #4 - Wash Your Hands

Many men spend time outside doing things like fishing and other summer outdoor activities. If this is the case for you, be sure to wash your hands before eating so that you don't transmit bacteria and viruses into your system. You could also carry a small bottle of anti-bacterial gel on your person if there are no sinks nearby.

Summer Health Tip for Men #5 - Wear Sunscreen

Wearing sunscreen is one of the best things you can do to decrease your risk of developing skin cancer. Even two or three serious burns in your life can double the risk of you getting this awful disease. Avoid burns in the short term and cancer in the long term by wearing sunscreen.

Summer Health Tip for Men #6 - Be Careful About Insects

If you spend time outside, know how to identify and kill dangerous insects such as deer ticks and brown recluses. The deer tick transmits Lyme Disease, which can affect you for the rest of your life. Be aware of these insects and do what you can to prevent interaction with them.

Summer Health Tip for Men #7 - Get Enough Sleep

Many men are more active during the summer and stay out later doing activities due to lengthened days. However, you also need to be sure to get enough sleep so that your immune system stays strong and so that you can function from day-to-day. Not getting enough sleep has also been linked to heart disease and increased chance of obesity and diabetes, so getting a full seven to eight hours of sleep is essential.

Summer Health Tip for Men #8 - Eat Nutritious Foods

Some men, especially young men, drastically alter their diets during the summer, eating large amounts of red meat and occasionally very little else. Burgers and beer do little for your body, and you may lack important nutrients. If you feel that your diet is not exactly comprehensive, consider taking a multivitamin or altering your habits.

Summer Health Tip for Men #9 - Watch Your Caloric Intake

Besides eating healthy foods, make sure that your caloric intake roughly equals the calories you burn on a daily basis, otherwise you gain weight. Men sometimes tend to do things in excess, especially during the summer, but it's much harder to lose weight than it is to not put the weight on in the first place.

Summer Health Tip for Men #10 - Don't Try to "Tough it Out"

If you injure yourself during an activity this summer, don't succumb to the male stereotype of "toughing it out." It's best to see a doctor for injuries or problems so that the problem doesn't become worse or permanent. It's not an issue of male pride, it's an injury that needs to be dealt with.

If you are a male and looking for tips on how to stay healthy this summer, I would recommend eating healthy, staying active, doing what you can to prevent injury, getting enough sleep, and receiving medical attention for any injuries. Again, you aren't proving how tough you are by seeing how much you can neglect your body. Staying healthy this summer may require you to sacrifice a little male pride, but it is worth it. If you have any other summer health tips for men, or have any relevant health experiences, feel free to leave your thoughts and stories in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!