Summer is one of the best times of the year. Longer days, family vacations, swimming pools, outdoor sports, backyard cookouts, and endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sunshine.
But summer also brings unique health challenges that many families don’t think about until they become a problem. From sun exposure and bug bites to chlorine pools and dehydration, the choices we make during the summer months can have a significant impact on our health.
At The Wellness Way Coralville, we believe in helping families enjoy everything summer has to offer while reducing unnecessary toxic exposures and supporting the body’s natural ability to thrive.
Sunshine Is Healthy—But Sunburn Is Not
Contrary to popular belief, the sun is not the enemy.
Sunlight plays an important role in overall health, supporting vitamin D production, immune function, mood regulation, sleep quality, and hormone balance. The goal shouldn’t be to avoid the sun altogether—it should be to avoid burning. The CDC and EPA both recommend combining sunscreen with protective clothing, shade, and avoiding prolonged exposure during peak UV hours.
Our Favorite Sun-Smart Strategies
- Get morning or evening sunlight whenever possible
- Wear hats and lightweight protective clothing
- Seek shade during the hottest part of the day
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid allowing skin to burn
When sunscreen is needed, we encourage families to consider mineral-based sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and provide broad-spectrum protection. Many parents choose to avoid sunscreens containing oxybenzone and other chemical UV filters due to ongoing concerns regarding absorption and safety.
Chlorine Pools: What You Should Do After Swimming
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a day at the pool, but chlorine can be harsh on the skin, hair, eyes, and respiratory system.
Many people don’t realize that chlorine combines with sweat, body oils, cosmetics, and other substances in the water to create additional compounds that may contribute to skin irritation and dryness.
After-Pool Recovery Tips
As soon as possible after swimming:
- Shower thoroughly with soap and water
- Wash chlorine out of hair
- Change out of wet swimsuits
- Apply a clean moisturizer to support the skin barrier
- Drink extra water and electrolytes
For children who spend hours in the pool each week, these simple habits can help reduce skin irritation, eczema flares, and dryness.
Bug Bites: More Than Just an Itch
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects can quickly turn an enjoyable outdoor adventure into days of itching and discomfort.
For some individuals, bug bites can trigger significant inflammatory reactions. Children especially may experience swelling, redness, itching, and secondary skin infections from scratching.
Natural Ways to Reduce Bug Bites
Before reaching for conventional bug sprays, consider:
- Wearing light-colored clothing
- Avoiding standing water around your home
- Using fans on patios and decks
- Covering exposed skin when possible
- Choosing natural repellents when appropriate
Oil of lemon eucalyptus is one of the few plant-based ingredients recognized for mosquito protection and may be a reasonable option for older children and adults.
What About Conventional Bug Sprays?
When mosquito-borne illnesses are a concern, products containing DEET or picaridin may be appropriate. Every family must weigh risks and benefits based on their environment and activities.
Our goal is not perfection—it is making informed choices and reducing unnecessary exposures whenever possible.
Tick Prevention Matters
Ticks are becoming increasingly common throughout the Midwest and can transmit illnesses such as Lyme disease.
After hiking, camping, or spending time in wooded areas:
- Perform a full-body tick check
- Check children carefully around the scalp, ears, armpits, and behind the knees
- Inspect pets
- Wash clothing and shower after outdoor activities
Early detection is one of the most effective tools for preventing tick-borne illness complications.
Hydration Goes Beyond Water
Many people spend summer mildly dehydrated without realizing it.
Excessive sweating doesn’t just cause water loss—it also depletes important minerals such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Signs you may need more hydration include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Increased irritability
Consider adding electrolytes, mineral-rich foods, fresh fruits, and adequate protein throughout the day—especially for active children and athletes.
Support Your Gut During Summer Travel
Summer often means vacations, road trips, fairs, and cookouts. While fun, these activities can disrupt normal routines and digestive health.
Some simple ways to support gut health include:
- Prioritizing whole foods whenever possible
- Staying hydrated
- Eating adequate fiber
- Limiting excessive processed foods and sugary drinks
- Getting quality sleep, even while traveling
Remember, a healthy gut plays a role in immune function, energy production, and overall wellness.
Summer Wellness Starts With Simple Habits
At The Wellness Way Coralville, we believe health isn’t built through one perfect product or one perfect decision. It’s built through consistent daily habits that support the body’s ability to function the way it was designed.
This summer, focus on:
- Smart sun exposure
- Mineral-based sunscreen when needed
- Showering after chlorine exposure
- Thoughtful bug bite prevention
- Tick awareness
- Proper hydration and electrolytes
- Whole-food nutrition
- Quality sleep and recoverySummer should be a season of making memories—not managing preventable health issues.
If you’re looking for personalized guidance on immune health, inflammation, nutrition, gut health, hormones, or creating a healthier lifestyle for your family, our team at The Wellness Way Coralville is here to help.
Have a healthy, active, and vibrant summer!