National Therapeutic Recreation Month has been celebrated during the second week of July every year since 1984. Established by the National Therapeutic Recreation Society, the week is intended to raise awareness of the positive impact that therapeutic recreation programs and services can have for individuals living with emotional, behavioral and cognitive differences. Recreational activities can improve the health and well-being of most everyone, play is a powerful thing!
Recreational Therapy refers to the use of recreation and other activities prescribed as treatment interventions provided by professionals who are trained and certified. Healing interventions within the realm of recreation might include adapted sports, expressive arts, family intervention, progressive muscle relaxation, horticulture, or a therapeutic outing designed for reintegration into a community.¹
Get Outside And Play
Covid-19 has affected many people and forced dramatic changes that may have caused depression and anxiety or a feeling of isolation. Recreation activities are more than just leisure and enjoyment - although those things are more important to your health than you may realize. Recreational therapy promotes independence, mental clarity, decision making skills, creative expression and strengthens social connections.² All of these things contribute to quality of life, health and well-being that may otherwise be nonexistent.
Be Safe In The Sun
July is also UV Safety Month. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation comes from the sun and man-made sources like tanning beds. Learn more about UV and how to reduce your risk of skin cancer here.³
How do I protect myself from UV rays?
Both UVA and UVB rays can damage skin and cause skin cancer. There are a few different factors to be considered to reduce your exposure to harmful rays when spending time outdoors.
- Time of day: UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Season of the year: UV rays are stronger during spring and summer months.
- Distance from the equator (latitude): UV exposure goes down as you get further from the equator.
- Altitude: More UV rays reach the ground at higher elevations.
- Cloud cover: The effect of clouds can vary, but it's important to know that UV rays can get through to the ground, even on a cloudy day.
- Reflection off surfaces: UV rays can bounce off surfaces like water, sand, snow, or pavement, leading to an increase in UV exposure.
The amount of exposure you get to harmful UV rays is also dependent on the amount of time spent on the sun and if you are protecting yourself with sunscreen or UV proof clothing.
Seek Shade | Protect Yourself With Clothing & Sunshades | Wear Sunscreen
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