As summer approaches, the health experts at Bowie Internal Medicine have some tips to help you make the most of the upcoming season. Bowie Internal Medicine offers the best primary care doctors in Maryland that can help you stay strong and healthy this summer.

Stay Hydrated

To stay properly hydrated, aim to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. Adequate hydration is essential for:

• Regulating body temperature

• Delivering nutrients throughout your body

• Ensuring proper organ function

If you or your child aren’t fans of plain water, you can boost your hydration through the foods you eat. Many fruits and vegetables have high water content and can help keep you happily hydrated.

Consider adding these hydrating options to your shopping cart this summer:

• Strawberries

• Bell peppers

• Pineapple

• Cantaloupe

• Broccoli

• Cauliflower

• Peaches

• Celery

• Cucumbers

• Lettuce

• Oranges

• Tomatoes

• Watermelon

Protect Your Skin From the Sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) Rays

Applying sunblock helps prevent the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays from reaching your skin. The chemical ingredients in sunscreen absorb the sun’s radiation, while the physical particles reflect UV radiation away from your skin.

What Type of Sunscreen Should You Use?

Choosing the right sunscreen can be confusing with so many options available. Look for one labeled "broad-spectrum," which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. You should also choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. An SPF 30 sunscreen filters out approximately 97% of UVB rays.

Wear Glasses with UV Protection

The skin under your eyes is the thinnest and most sensitive on your body, making it particularly vulnerable to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. To protect this delicate area, it's recommended to choose eyewear that:

• Blocks 99-100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation.

• Has lenses perfectly matched in color.

• Screens out 70-90% of visible light.

Check Your Skin Regularly for Abnormalities

When examining your skin for any changes or causes for concern, it's recommended to use a full-length mirror and a handheld mirror. This combination allows you to thoroughly check the front of your body and reach difficult areas like your back, underarms, and other nooks and crannies that might otherwise be missed. If you have skin concerns, the best primary doctors in Maryland at Bowie Internal Medicine can provide expert knowledge and information.

Best Primary Doctors in Maryland

Bowie Internal Medicine is committed to treating any conditions you may have and preventing further health complications through preventative care. For more information, please contact our office to schedule an appointment or ask any questions.