Health officials offer summer health tips

With the hot summer months upon us, it may become challenging to have the energy to keep up an active lifestyle or choose fresh fruits and vegetables over drive-thru dining.

For added exercise, Yuma Regional Medical Center’s clinical nutrition manager Tara Lovinger, suggests that people utilize free air conditioning in stores by window shopping. You can even add a few extra aisles to your grocery store trip.

For those who prefer to be outside, take advantage of the many hiking trails in the early morning to escape the heat.

Finding fresh produce around Yuma can help support local farmers and cut down on the carbon footprint.

Weekly produce stands such as the stand at Yuma Palms allows locals to get food from farm to table.

In addition to using local resources to stay healthy, websites such as ChooseMyPlate.gov provides tools your whole family can use.

Activities such as coloring pages encourage kids to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diet.

Calorie planners and portion control guides are a few ways in which ChooseMyPlate also motivates adults to make healthy decisions this summer.