Health isn't a destination - it's a lifelong journey. Every day, every single thing you do will either contribute towards (or detract from) your overall physical health. Getting regular physical exercise is an important way to boost your overall health. If you're looking for some ways to get a little more active and healthy this summer, Central Ozarks Medical Center is here to help. Here are a few suggestions to help you get in tip-top shape this summer season.
1. Visit The Farmer's Market.
Not only is visiting your local farmer's market a great summertime pastime - it offers numerous advantages as well. One, it allows you to get a little bit of mild exercise as you stroll past the various vendors. Two, it gives you access to fresh, healthy produce you can use to prepare your meals. Three, the produce available at farmer's markets is often priced much lower than comparable produce would be at the local grocery store.
2. Hydrate Before You Eat.
In our country, we commonly mistake the feeling of thirst for the feeling of hunger. As a result, it is not unusual for us to eat more food than we really need. Before reaching for snacks this summer, drink a glass of water to hydrate yourself. After that, you can evaluate whether or not you are actually hungry.
3. Walk Or Bike Instead Of Drive.
If you're only traveling a short distance, why not take the opportunity to walk or ride a bike to your destination instead of driving your car? Walking and biking are excellent forms of cardio exercise. You can also park farther back in parking lots to give yourself an excuse to walk a greater distance. As an added bonus, you'll save money on gas!
4. Go For A Hike.
The Lake Area is home to both Ha Ha Tonka State park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Both of these parks offer multiple beautiful trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking is a great way to get outside and breathe the fresh air while staying active.
5. Snack On Watermelon.
There's a reason watermelon is a summertime favorite! This juicy fruit is 92% water, which means that consuming watermelon is a great way to stay hydrated (as well as curb hunger by quickly filling your stomach). It's also extremely low in calories - there are only 46 calories in a cup (152 grams)!
6. Avoid Overheating.
One of the only downsides to summer is the potential of overheating. Heat stroke can hit anyone, although young children and elderly individuals are often particularly susceptible. Stay in the shade as much as possible when you are outdoors, and be sure to drink plenty of water and electrolyte drinks when you are outside.
7. Limit Alcohol.
Iced or frozen cocktails, cold beer, and/or chilled wine are summertime staples for many people, but the unfortunate truth is that alcoholic beverages contain lots of calories. Not only that, but alcohol is inherently dehydrating. While you may understandably want to enjoy an occasional beer, glass of wine, or cocktail throughout the summer, limiting your alcohol whenever possible is a great way to stay in better shape.
Happy Summer!
On behalf of all of us at Central Ozarks Medical Center, we hope you have a truly spectacular summer! By adopting these strategies into your summertime routines, you should find it much easier to maintain a healthy lifestyle this season.
If you should find yourself in need of specific medical attention or would simply like to schedule a routine wellness check for you or someone in your family, don't hesitate to reach out to one of the staff at our health clinics in central Missouri. We look forward to serving you however we can.
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
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For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 -- Richland
573.302.7490 -- Osage Beach
573.346.4446 -- Camdenton
573.317.9200 -- Stone Castle
573.765.2510 -- Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
Over 60% of the human body is made up of water. With well over half our systems being comprised of this essential fluid, it should come as no surprise that drinking plenty of water is an essential aspect of maintaining overall health. Unfortunately, studies estimate that well over half (somewhere around 75%) of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration. Though experts recommend that we drink eight 8-oz glasses per day (the same as two liters or half a gallon), few of us reach this mark.
As your trusted healthcare providers in Central Missouri, the team at Central Ozarks Medical Center is here to help you and your family get - and stay - healthy. This week, we're focusing on a few simple ways you can up your water intake.
1. Drink A Full Glass Of Water In The Mornings.
Since we typically don't drink very much (if anything) during the night, most of us are dehydrated by the time we get up in the morning. Counteract this by drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning - even before breakfast.
2. Consume Fluids (Don't Just Drink Them).
The foods you eat can impact your overall hydration level. Eating wet, moist foods (such as fruits and soups) can help you stay hydrated, whereas dry foods (such as nuts and chips) can actually contribute to overall dehydration.
3. Drink Even When You're Not Thirsty.
Thirst is your body's natural indicator of dehydration - by the time you feel thirsty, you're already at least a little dehydrated. Try to remember to drink consistently throughout the day, even when you don't consciously feel thirsty.
4. Stick With Water.
Coffee, juice, and tea all include varying amounts of water that can count towards your daily totals, but it's important to recognize that these beverages contain other ingredients as well (often including sugar). Be wary of consuming unnecessary additional calories while trying to stay hydrated.
5. Drink More Around Workouts.
Regular exercise is an important part of overall health, but vigorous exercise can cause the body to lose valuable fluids. In order to reduce your chances of becoming dehydrated due to a workout, make a point to drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising.
6. Drink A Glass Of Water Before Meals.
Many people don't realize this, but thirst can frequently be mistaken for hunger. Drinking a glass of water before meals can help fill your stomach, making you less likely to overeat. Drinking a glass of water before reaching for a snack (especially a dehydrating one!) can be beneficial as well.
7. Keep A Water Bottle With You.
One of the best ways to stay hydrated is to ensure that you always have access to water so you can drink consistently throughout the day. Bring water bottles with you in the car, keep a full one at your desk, place one next to your bed at night, and anywhere else you go during the day.
8. Set A Timer.
On particularly busy days, the hours may seem to pass without you even realizing it. Before you know it, the day may be half over - and you'll have barely drunk anything! Setting an hourly timer on your watch or phone and drinking a glass of water every time it goes off can be a helpful way to help you remember to drink throughout the day.
What Other Suggestions Do You Have?
Ultimately, it doesn't matter what strategies you use to increase your water intake - what matters is that you drink a healthy amount of water every day. What other tips and techniques do you have for staying hydrated? Let us know in the comments below!
Central Ozarks Medical Center
Keeping Lack of Insurance From Being a Roadblock to Quality Healthcare
Like us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
Connect with us on LinkedIn
For Appointments Call
573.765.5141 -- Richland
573.302.7490 -- Osage Beach
573.346.4446 -- Camdenton
573.317.9200 -- Stone Castle
573.765.2510 -- Dental
Serving Camdenton, Laclede, Pulaski, and Miller Counties
The Lake Area is home to both Ha Ha Tonka State park and Lake of the Ozarks State Park. Both of these parks offer multiple beautiful trails of varying degrees of difficulty. Hiking is a great way to get outside and breathe the fresh air while staying active. 
