Clear, simple tips for a healthy, happy summer – inside and out!
Rise & Shine with Nature
Benefits
- Vitamin D strengthens teeth and bones
- Morning light improves sleep cycles
- Fresh air energises your body
- Nature reduces stress levels
Best Times to Move
- 6 am-8 am: Perfect for beach walks
- 7 pm-8 pm: Evening strolls in parks
- Early mornings: Weekend hikes
Check Some of Sydney’s Best Morning Spots
- Bondi to Bronte walk
- Centennial Park loop
- Manly Beach path
- Royal Botanic Garden and Mrs Macquarie’s Chair.
- Barangaroo Reserve
- Sydney Harbour National Park
- Bicentennial Park, Sydney Olympic Park
- Your favourite local park
Pro Tip: Pack frozen fruit and water for a cool morning drink the night before.
Cool Hydration Tips
Benefits
- Healthy saliva prevents cavities
- Clear thinking
- Fresh breath
- Better digestion
Easy Drink Ideas
- Mint-lime water
- Frozen coconut cubes
- Watermelon slush
- Herbal iced tea
Pro Tip: Add a small pinch of pink salt to water for natural electrolytes.
Sleep Well in Summer
Benefits
- Less teeth grinding
- Better immune system function
- Reduced inflammation
- More energy
Simple Steps for Sleeping Well in Summer
- Keep the bedroom dark and cool
- Use light cotton sheets
- Take a lukewarm shower before bed
- Stop screens one hour before sleep
Pro Tip: Freeze a washcloth. One of the most common places people sweat is on their head and face, so keeping this area cool is important. Freeze a washcloth before bed and use it as a cold compress when trying to fall asleep.
Why not a cold shower? A warm shower or bath before bed can help lower your core body temperature, aiding in relaxation. Although your body temperature rises in the warm water, it begins to cool down once you step out, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
It’s best to keep the water lukewarm rather than hot or cold. Hot showers can raise the temperature in your bathroom and bedroom, potentially disrupting sleep, while cold showers can be stimulating, which may make falling asleep more challenging.
Fresh Seasonal Foods
Benefits
- Fresh foods clean teeth naturally
- Maximum nutrients
- Better digestion
- Natural energy
Best Summer Foods
- Crunchy: Cucumber, celery, apples
- Cooling: Watermelon, stone fruits
- Protein: Fresh fish, lean meats
- Dairy: Hard cheese, plain yoghurt
Pro Tip: Crunch on an apple to stimulate saliva production.
Your 5 Quick Action Steps for a Healthy Summer
- Fill your water bottle with fresh water and a pinch of salt
- Book your annual dental check-up
- Pack healthy, seasonal snacks
- Plan early morning or early evening walks when the sun is less strong
- Find and explore local walking trails and tracks
Keep Your Smile Bright and Your Teeth Healthy
- Drink water after swimming in chlorinated pools
- Rinse your mouth after meals (and alcohol!)
- Brush twice daily
- Floss every night
- Visit your SHDC dentist for regular check-ups and hygiene appointments
Ready for a healthy summer? Book your check-up today: (02) 8188 3718
#SydneySmiles #SummerHealth #HolisticDentistry #HealthyTeeth
References and Further Reading
- Mayo Clinic Health System. (n.d.). Expressing gratitude to improve health.
- American Council on Exercise. (n.d.). Three Reasons Why Physical Activity Should Be a Family Routine.
- https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/sleep_hygiene.html
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). How to Stay Hydrated Over the Summer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. (n.d.). Systemic antioxidants and skin health.
- Benefits of Mint-Lime Water https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322556
