Summer brings longer days, warmer weather, and more activity—creating both opportunities and challenges for whole-person health. From staying hydrated in the heat to managing shifting routines and recharging before the fall, PCOM faculty experts share preventive health tips that emphasize cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and safety strategies during the summer season.
With increased outdoor activity and higher temperatures, summer can pose unique health risks—making prevention key to staying well. Robyn Long, DO, MS, clinical assistant professor in the department of family medicine at PCOM South Georgia, emphasizes the importance of balancing outdoor activity with safety and preparation.
“Summer is an ideal time to focus on preventive health,” said Long. “People are often more active and spending more time with family, which can be great for physical and mental well-being—but it’s important to stay mindful of heat-related risks, water safety, and disruptions to routine.”
Dehydration and heat exhaustion are common concerns during the warmer months, particularly for those hiking, swimming, or spending prolonged time in the sun. Long recommends staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and—especially for families with young children—being educated about water safety.
Travel can be both restorative and disruptive, too. Long advises setting realistic vacation goals, staying current with medications and vaccinations, and preparing an emergency plan in advance. PCOM’s whole-person approach supports summer wellness by helping patients build sustainable habits for physical, emotional, and environmental health.
“Through education, lifestyle guidance, and hands-on care like osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), we help patients thrive during active summer months—relieving the aches and strains that come with movement and making sure health doesn’t take a backseat to fun,” said Long.
Summer can be a powerful catalyst for improved cardiovascular health–especially for individuals looking to reengage in physical activity after a more sedentary winter. Jason Kaplan, DO '13, clinical professor and chair of the division of cardiology in PCOM’s department of internal medicine, emphasizes that the warmer months offer an ideal opportunity to adopt heart-healthy habits.
“For many people, the summer season is the jumping-off point for getting back into an exercise routine,” said Kaplan. “Just 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week, can significantly reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events. The summer months give patients the chance to get moving again, whether that’s walking, biking, or swimming—anything that gets the heart rate up.”
Rising temperatures, however, can present challenges. Dehydration, heat exhaustion, and sudden drops in blood pressure can all pose risks.
“Staying hydrated is essential,” noted Kaplan. “Unless a person has a condition like heart failure that requires fluid restriction, most people should be increasing their fluid intake on hot days to maintain healthy blood pressure and circulation.”
Kaplan also encourages using summer momentum to support broader lifestyle changes, like adopting a heart-healthy diet and monitoring key risk factors.
“If someone is already making positive strides with exercise, we encourage them to look at other areas–cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and nutrition,” he said. “A whole-person approach means primary care and cardiology working together to help patients lower their long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.”
While winter may challenge emotional balance through isolation and limited daylight, summer introduces a different rhythm—one that can be used to intentionally recharge, reflect, and refocus.
According to Scott Glassman, PsyD '13, professor in the department of clinical psychology, summer is an ideal season to reconnect with what brings joy, meaning, and balance. Positive psychology invites individuals to not only manage stress but to elevate everyday moments through gratitude, intention, and meaning.
“Summer can be a great time to engage in the 3 Rs: recharging, reflection, and resetting,” said Glassman. “With more daylight and greater schedule flexibility, it becomes easier to prioritize self-care and reconnect with the people and activities that help us feel grounded.”
Glassman encourages taking time to intentionally plan rest—whether that’s using vacation days, spending more time in nature, or making space for creative and social activities. He also highlights the importance of tuning in to physical signals like fatigue and irritability, which can be signs of emotional or physiological stress from heat, overstimulation, or dehydration.
“Before the busier pace of fall begins, it helps to clarify what matters most,” he said. “Journaling about the past 6 to 12 months—what brought happiness, what relationships felt nourishing, what felt missing—can guide more satisfying choices going forward.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
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