Summer in Georgia means long days, backyard gatherings, pool time and sweltering heat. It’s also a season when many women put their own health on the back burner while keeping up with busy schedules, family plans, and travel. This summer, we’re encouraging you to make your health a priority alongside everything else on your list.
The team at Unified Premier Women’s Care in Marietta has put together a guide to summer self-care that covers both your body and your mind because you deserve to feel your best all season long.
1. Don’t Skip Your Annual Exam
Summer schedules get busy, but your annual gynecology visit shouldn’t be pushed to the back of the list. Your well-woman exam is an opportunity to check in on your reproductive health, discuss any changes you’ve noticed, review your birth control options, and get any recommended screenings including your Pap smear and mammography if it’s time.
If you’ve been putting off scheduling, now is the time. Our new patient scheduling page makes it easy to get started.
2. Stay Hydrated — Especially in the Georgia Heat
Dehydration doesn’t just make you feel sluggish: it can contribute to urinary tract infections, headaches, and fatigue. Women who experience urinary incontinence or recurrent bladder infections may be particularly susceptible to symptoms worsening in the heat.
Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water a day, more if you’re spending time outdoors or exercising. Herbal iced teas, water-rich fruits like watermelon and cucumber, and electrolyte beverages (low in sugar) are all great additions.
3. Protect Your Skin and Check for Changes
Summer sun is wonderful, but UV exposure is cumulative and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the US. Wear broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, reapply every two hours outdoors, and seek shade during peak hours (10am–4pm). Protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats make a real difference.
It’s also a good time to do a skin self-check from head to toe, looking for any new or changing moles or spots. If anything concerns you, don’t wait: bring it up at your next appointment.
4. Manage Menopause Symptoms in the Heat
If you’re navigating menopause, summer can feel particularly challenging. Hot flashes and night sweats that are manageable in cooler months can intensify in the heat. Lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a fan at bedside, and cool showers can all help.
But you shouldn’t just white-knuckle through it. Effective menopause treatment options exist including hormone therapy and non-hormonal alternatives that can significantly reduce hot flashes and improve your quality of life. Talk to our team about what’s right for you.
| “Dr. Goh took extra time to get to know me and my medical history. She was very attentive and caring.” — Unified Premier Women’s Care Patient Testimonial |
5. Support Your Bone Health Year-Round
Summer is a great time to build or reinforce bone-healthy habits. Spending time outdoors boosts your body’s natural vitamin D production, which is essential for calcium absorption and bone density. Walking, hiking, swimming, and strength training are all excellent summer activities that support long-term osteoporosis prevention.
6. Check In on Your Mental Health
Hormonal fluctuations, whether tied to your cycle, perimenopause, or PMS, can significantly affect mood and emotional wellbeing. Summer can also bring its own stressors: childcare, financial pressure, and shifts in routine.
Your gynecologist can be an important partner in addressing mood symptoms tied to hormonal changes. Don’t hesitate to bring up anxiety, depression, or significant mood swings at your next visit.
7. If You’re Pregnant, Summer Requires Extra Attention
Pregnancy in summer heat requires some extra care. Staying hydrated is especially important, as dehydration can trigger contractions. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and overheating, wear light clothing, and contact your obstetrics provider promptly if you notice reduced fetal movement, swelling, severe headaches, or any other concerning changes.
Our pregnancy care team is here to support you through every season of your pregnancy journey.
| “We sat and talked about putting me on HRT. She was very informative.” — Unified Premier Women’s Care Patient Testimonial |
Self-care isn’t selfish: it’s essential. This summer, give yourself the gift of proactive health. Whether you’re due for a well-woman exam, have questions about a new symptom, or just want to talk through what you’re experiencing, our team is here for you.
Ready to take charge of your health? Schedule an appointment with the team at Unified Premier Women’s Care today, or call us at (770) 427-0285 to get started.