LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth CAMP Fitness by Rick Moore Essentials for the Beach Even though Memorial Day falls in the Spring, it's actually considered the holiday that starts off the summer sea
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
CAMP Fitness |
by Rick Moore |
Essentials for the Beach
Even though Memorial Day falls in the Spring, it's actually considered the holiday that starts off the summer season. Be that as it may, you have to take precautions for a safe and healthful summer season. Make sure you have all of necessary items for when the time comes. First, you should have a first aid kit in your car or with your beach accoutrement. It will come in handy and you will avoid a lot of heartache. Make sure everything in the kit is up to datelotions, notions, band-aids, wraps, antiseptics and such. Band-aids do dry out, you know. Second, have sun block. I know a lot of you don't use sunscreen. I've seen it. Many beach goers go unprotected and burn their skin on the first beach day. Now that the ozone layer has a huge hole in it, it lets in those nasty UV rays that can cause skin cancers. I know, because last February I had two skin cancers removed from my shoulder and chest. Luckily they weren't serious. Get sunscreenthe higher the number the better. I've seen sunscreens as high as the 40s. Make sure you re-apply when getting out of the water or even when you sweat too much. Don't be stingy with it. By all means, wear a hat. You will never see me at the beach without my hat. Third, shoes are essential at the beach. Stepping on driftwood, reeds, or other sharp objects can ruin your day. Some kind of footwear is required when walking to the beach and back to your car. The sand can really get hot, too. Avoid burned tootsies by investing in a pair of sandals that provide good foot protection. Well worth it! Fourth is eye wear. Good sunglasses are essential for a day at the beach. Those UV rays can do a number on the old eyeballs. Find a pair that fit great and look great. We keep spare pairs in the glove boxes of our cars. Fifth, invest in an umbrella. No kidding! It really comes in handy on those bright, blistering, oppressive summer days. Have shade readily available for you, your partner, and friends, and really increase the comfort and fun factor at the beach. Sixth is a compact cooler to keep drinks nice and cold. Many of us become dehydrated just being on the beach. It is essential that you drink water throughout your day. Water and sports drinks are good choices, but remember alcohol can actually make you feel hotter than you are. It is illegal to have alcoholic beverages on Delaware's beaches. Don't take the risk. Something else to put in that cooler is a couple of wet washcloths. My mom used to do this and I think it's a great idea. Just put them in a sandwich bag and use as needed. Now you're probably gonna think I'm crazy on this one, but the seventh item on the list is a sign of the times. Cell phones are an essential at the beach, not only for locating lost friends and relatives on the beach, but to dial 911 in case of an emergency. But don't abuse the use of the cell phone. Yakking on the phone at the beach for the sheer pleasure of it is not really looked highly upon. Just like unwanted loud radios blaring music, chatting on the cell phone can be just as rude. Remember, you aren't the only one at the beach, and you should respect other people's privacy. This last item is one I repeat every year, and this year is no exception. Those of us with pets should know when it is safe to take our beloved doggies out for a day of surf and sand. By Delaware law, they have to be leashed and kept in control. Nick and I have a new addition to our family, Zack, a Shetland sheepdog, and he is no exception. We have a rule that if it is sunny and over 85 degrees, then Zack is to stay home and not go to the beach. His paws will burn when he hits that hot sand, and his coat is too heavy for hot sunny days. Even though he loves to play, fetch balls and Frisbees, and hop into the water, we just can't subject the furry fella to those harsh conditions at the beach. Maybe many of our fellow pet owners will re-think their decisions, and leave their pets home in comfortable conditions. Oh, yes, Zack has his own sunglasses.Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. Visit him at www.ricksfitness.net. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 18, No. 05 May 16, 2008 |