1-minute: Toss any expired sunscreen, then stock up on several tubes that you can carry in your purse, the glove compartment, sports and beach bags, backpacks, coolers, etc. If you never have to hunt for sunscreen, you'll never have an excuse not to use it.
5-minutes: Painful cracks in your heels can make walking difficult. Avoid the problem by washing your feet with a mild soap and warm water, drying thoroughly, and applying a thick, emollient foot lotion every night before you go to bed. Look for one with alpha hydroxy acid, salicylic acid, or urea to help keep your feet smooth and crack-free.
15-minutes: Check your hiking boots and any athletic shoes (including good old sneakers that you just walk in) to see if the tread is still good, and if the shoes are wearing evenly. Also, try on any shoes you haven't worn since last summer. Believe it or not, your feet can spread and affect the fit as you get older. If your toe hits the end, it's time to move up a half size.
30-minutes: Check your bikes to make sure they are in good condition and operating correctly before you set out on your first ride of the summer. Examine your bike for wear and tear, replace burned out lights, test your gears, tighten cables and any loose nuts or bolts, and inflate the tires with the right amount of pressure. If you think it could use a little more sprucing up, take it to a qualified bike repair shop.
This article first appeared in the June 2023 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
