Spring has sprung, Bosque County!  Warmer, longer days and sunny skies are here and that means its time for more outdoor activities. The United States Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults reach at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, which is just over 20 minutes a day.  Physical activity isn’t limited to getting on the treadmill or lifting weights but also includes things like riding a bike through the neighborhood, swimming, dancing and even gardening!  Outdoor chores like gardening, mowing the lawn, and spreading mulch are not only great ways to get outdoors and be active but to also spend time with our families and friends.

While we are in the outdoors it is important to keep sun safety and hydration in mind.  Sunlight contains UVA and UVB rays that can be dangerous to our skin if overexposed.  Some sunscreens protect against just one type of UV light, so make sure to use one that protects against both UVA and UVB.  Apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and then every two hours when in the sun.  UV light can also damage our eyes so when you’re outside, utilize hats with a wide brim and sunglasses.  Make sure to drink plenty of fluids through the day, and especially when you are out and about in the sun and performing physical activity.  As small as it may seem, being thirsty is the first sign that you are becoming dehydrated.  Adequate hydration will help keep you going through the day by facilitating body temperature regulation and the conversion of food into energy.

With outdoor activities comes the possibility of children playing outside and near the street.  Exercise caution when driving through our neighborhoods and pay critical attention to your vehicle’s speed.  Children’s smaller size can make them difficult for drivers to see, and often children do not see oncoming traffic due to parked cars, tall bushes or shrubs, or they just forget to look.  And for parents, teachers, and young adults that look out for children, it is time to remind our kiddoes about street safety:  if and when they can cross, to look both ways carefully before crossing the street, and where it is appropriate to cross the street.  By watching our speeds and being cautious on both sides, we can have a safer, more fun springtime.

Spring is a time to get out there and have fun, so whether you plan on getting some more exercise in, spending some time out gardening, catching some rays, or exploring Bosque County, remember to do it safely and responsible.