Summer Wellness, Hydration Hacks, and Sunscreen Myths Debunked
Summer in the Tri-Cities isn’t just about long days and riverside sunsets—it’s also a high-impact season for wellness, especially when it comes to hydration, skincare, and prevention. At Empowered Health, we’re diving into the topics our patients ask about most: sunscreen confusion, smart hydration, and how to optimize your daily routine for long-term health.
Why Hydration Should Be Your Summer Superpower
Hydration isn’t just about quenching thirst—it’s essential for cellular function, joint health, skin elasticity, and even mental clarity.
Quick Stat: Dehydration can reduce cognitive performance by up to 30% and impair physical endurance by up to 25%.
Physiological Insight: Your body loses water faster in summer due to increased sweating. Add in Tri-Cities' dry heat and wind exposure, and your fluid requirements spike.
Dr. Schneider’s Tip:
“Hydration is foundational to every other wellness effort. It’s simple but easy to overlook, especially in busy summer schedules. I always keep an infused water bottle with lemon and sea salt at my desk.”
📍 Local Tip: Check out Fred Meyer’s produce section for fresh cucumbers and citrus to boost water intake naturally.
Sunscreen Myths – Time to Clear the Air
Let’s play a quick myth-busting game. See how you do on this Sun Smarts Quiz!
1. You only need sunscreen when it’s sunny.
2. People with darker skin don’t need SPF.
3. SPF 100 means all-day protection.
4. Makeup with SPF is enough.
Answers:
- All FALSE!
What This Means:
- UVA rays penetrate clouds and windows.
- Melanin does provide some protection, but not enough to prevent damage or cancer.
- SPF 100 is misleading; reapplication every two hours is key.
- Makeup with SPF is usually not applied in high enough quantity to be protective.
Dr. Monié’s Reminder:
“No matter your skin tone or the weather forecast, daily SPF is non-negotiable. Think of it like brushing your teeth—it’s part of your long-game health routine.”
Research Bite: Indoor UV Exposure in the Pacific Northwest
Studies show that UVA rays, which contribute most to skin aging, can penetrate untreated window glass. In Eastern Washington, where we often spend long daylight hours indoors with large windows, consistent daily sunscreen use is still necessary—even in the office.
Pro Tip: Apply SPF 30+ on your face, ears, and neck each morning—even if your day is indoors.
Download our checklist to take with you on your next trip to Howard Amon Park or Columbia Point!
Spotlight on Concierge Medicine: Personalized, Proactive Care
At Empowered Health, we provide members with real-time provider messaging, proactive lab reviews, and lifestyle coaching tailored to their goals. That means your hydration, inflammation risk, and even skincare concerns can be tracked and guided throughout the season.
Try This: Inflammation Index Self-Assessment
Take a minute to assess your inflammation risk with this simplified quiz:
- Do you often feel bloated or foggy-headed after meals?
- Do your joints feel stiff when you wake up?
- Are you regularly consuming ultra-processed foods?
- Do you sleep less than 6 hours a night?
- Have your labs ever flagged elevated CRP (C-reactive protein)?
Results:
- 4–5 YES: Elevated risk—speak with your provider to assess labs and interventions.
- 2–3 YES: Moderate concern—great time for dietary, sleep, and hydration upgrades.
- 0–1 YES: Low concern—keep up the great work and monitor seasonally.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Hydration, sun protection, and inflammation reduction are the unsung heroes of summer health. If you’re ready to work with a provider who personalizes your care—beyond what’s reactive—Empowered Health is here for you.
Schedule an inquiry call to learn how we help patients across Richland, Pasco, and Kennewick experience smarter healthcare.
Jessica Schneider, MD
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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