Preparing for a healthy beach trip: Tips for wellness at the oceanside

Taking a stroll on Ogunquit beach in Maine (photo by Kreydin)

New Englanders love going to the beach! In fact, I think this may be the most popular pastime during warm weather. Great for families, couples, singles, the young and the old.

A day at the beach poses a couple of health concerns that should be planned for in advance:

• Sun exposure
• Cold water
• Sharp objects in the sand
• and Dehydration

Natural Sunscreen Protection

Sunburns can easily be avoided by wearing appropriate amounts of sunscreen but a recent study by the Environmental Working Group suggest many sunblock products pose health risks, or simply don't provide adequate protection. Natural sunblocks we love are:

• JuiceBeauty's Mineral Moisturizer - has an SPF of 30 and is great for every day face sunscreen, active ingredient: titanium dioxide.
• Mychelle Dermaceutical's Sun Shield - an SPF rating of 28, the Sun Shield is gentle on sensitive skin types but goes best after applying a moisturizer first. Use the Sun Shield on the face and backs of the hands. Active ingredient: zinc oxide.
• Jason's Sunbrellas® Chemical Free Sun Block - uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium oxide, I like the marigold, chamomile and lavender ingredients too.

Pack a First Aid Kit

The beach first aid kit should go in next to the frisbee and sunblock. Here's what I pack in my beach bag:

• Aloe vera - I like Jason's Witch Vera cooling gel
• Assorted plasters/bandages and antiseptic spray
• Bug spray - love Repel's Lemon Eucalyptus bug spray that is safer and as effective as DEET sprays but without the harmful chemical.

Don't forget the Water!

Plan to bring at least one container of water for each person. Metal drinking containers tend to absorb the heat quickly at the beach if left in the sun so burry them into the cold sand or tether it to something and place it in the sea water for a bit.