1. Walk or ride your bike. Taking your kids to the park or to a friend’s house? Ride your bike or walk instead. Not only do you get to spend more time with your kids, but you can also get in a great workout! If you are walking in the heat, make sure you are prepared with sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water!

2. Visit the local swimming pool. Swimming is a great form of exercise especially when it’s hot outside and you need to cool down! Do some laps in the pool or check with your pool to see if they have classes you can take. Some local pools even teach inexpensive classes like water aerobics, which are also great workouts!

3. Push mow the yard. What seems like a common chore is actually a great cardio workout. Push mowing the yard not only burns calories, but is a great workout for your legs and arms, plus your yard will look great!

4. Plant a garden. Although it doesn’t seem like a typical workout, gardening is a great way to burn calories without hitting the gym. Gardening is also a great relaxation tool that can help you reduce stress. Instead of just planting flowers, try your hand at fruits and vegetables!

5. Explore your community! Indianapolis is full of wonderful parks and trails, so take advantage of them and go for a hike. You can also go for a walk or bike ride on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, an 8 mile path that goes throughout the city!

Staying fit doesn’t have to mean a visit to the gym everyday. Enjoy these gym-less activities during your summer! While you are outside in the summer heat make sure you drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen!

School’s out for summer!!! Many children are already outdoors playing tag, swimming in the pool or enjoying the delights at the fair. Here are some ways that parents can ensure their kids enjoy summer vacation without neglecting their oral health care!

Swimming Pools
Research has shown that people who spent more than 6 hours a week in swimming pools ended up with discolored front teeth. Bad levels of pH in a pool can break down proteins in saliva and leave a brownish stains on your teeth. If the pool’s pH balance isn’t properly cared for, the water can also soften enamel, leading to an increased risk of decay and damage. Regular visits to the dentist for cleanings and fluoride treatments can combat both of these problems!

Summertime Foods and Beverages…and Your Smile
During the summer, kids are probably going to attend a lot of fairs, cookouts, and sporting events, and with that comes a variety of beverages and snacks. Summertime drinks include soda, sports drinks, and lemonade, all of which are loaded with sugar. But don’t brush your teeth too soon after consuming acidic beverages! These drinks can soften enamel, and brushing while the enamel is soft can do more damage. Wait at least an hour before you brush! If possible, limit the sugar intake by diluting your drink with water to reduce the risk of cavities.

Sports
While the kiddos are getting their teeth tickled ask about getting a customized mouth guard made to protect their teeth while they participate in outdoor sports and recreational activities!

For more information about HealthNet’s Dental services, please visit www.indyhealthnet.org or call 317-957-2450.