With a lot of newcomers to Austin, we thought we’d highlight our summer tips and tricks to help you survive the climbing temperatures. Being an Austinite means getting out and enjoying all that nature has to offer but doing it smart is the key to staying happy and healthy. Here are our top suggestions for keeping you cool, hydrated and sunburn free!
Hydration
Our number one tip may seem like a no-brainer but STAY HYDRATED! We don’t just mean hydrated with plain ol’ water, we mean hydrated with water and electrolytes. One of the most common reasons for feeling particularly run-down under the sun can be the loss of electrolytes that happens due to increased sweating. An easy way to replenish electrolytes is to drink coconut water which is packed with essential minerals. Alternatively, you can take Trace Minerals by Trace Mineral Research. Trace Minerals can be taken every day in tablet form or by mixing a flavorful packet into some water.
Sun Protection
Next tip: Stay protected from the sun! Austin often has some overcast days or hours in which the sun doesn’t seem too bad, but don’t be fooled. You still need protection from the rays on cloudy days. Wear a hat and long-sleeved shirt and consider a good natural sunscreen for places that aren’t covered. At Peoples we only offer clean sunscreen options with zinc oxide that have EWG-approved ingredients. We have several adult and kid sunscreen options like Badger, All Good and ThinkSport that range from SPF 30-50+.
Poisonous Plants
Heads up, be aware of poison ivy! If you are an avid camper and hiker, keep these three items on hand. 1–Poison Ivy/Oak bar by All Terrain. This natural and soothing soap bar can be used for not only poison ivy but also poison oak and sumac rashes. If you’re someone who’s often scratching and irritated after mosquito bites you might also find relief washing with this bar that contains aloe, shea butter and natural oils. Don’t forget, because we are also a pharmacy, we offer traditional topical options like 2–calamine lotion and 3–hydrocortisone cream for serious relief!
Bugs
Do bugs keep you from enjoying outdoor freedom? Have you been looking for DEET-free bug repellent that actually works and is safe for the whole family? Well, you’re in luck because we have a nice selection of all-natural and effective bug repellents that you’ll be utilizing all summer. My personal favorite is Nantucket Spider Natural DEET-free Bug Repellant spray! My backyard seems to be plagued with mosquitos in the summer which makes me dread playing with the kids outside. When I spray my kids and myself with the repellant it works and keeps us happily playing for hours!
Iced Tea
If you’re looking to feel like a local or extra Texan, sip some iced tea! Our 4 locations around Austin are the perfect place to stop for a grab-and-go lunch or cold drink! Headed to the lake or going to hit the trail for a lovely hike? Stop in and grab a cold drink! We have several cold beverages to choose from like Texas Tea (a sweet favorite) or an organic Guayaki yerba mate! If you’re like me and you make sun tea throughout the week, grab a box of tea from our grocery section. I like Gaia’s organic hibiscus tea brewed and poured over ice with a few drops of our Peoples Pharmacy stevia. Hibiscus is known as a natural refrigerant and sipping on it will keep you cool under the extreme Texas rays.
Allergies
Lastly, do not forget allergy season is all year long here in Austin. Seriously, it can be rough even in summer, especially if you have a grass allergy. Check out our blog on allergy remedies and learn to combat the symptoms with our top recommended solutions.
Well, there you have it. Our top tips on having fun in the sun without the burn, dehydration headaches, bites, stings, and sneezes. Remember to stop by on your way to outdoor fun to grab all your essentials and a cold, tasty beverage!
If you have comments and/or questions about this blog, email us at blog@peoplesrx.com.
Dr. Lauren Sanchez, ND* helps people who want to feel their best and gain more energy and optimal wellness through a plant-based diet. Learn more about her approach to wellness and schedule a visit with her here. Learn about Peoples Rx practitioners who are available for consultation both virtually as well as in person here.
*Although licensed in other states, Naturopathic Doctors are not currently licensed in Texas. To support licensure efforts, please visit www.txand.org.