HJNO Jul/Aug 2025

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS  I  JUL / AUG 2025 65 Dana Lawson, DNP, MHA, MSN, APRN, CCM Senior Vice President of Population Health Clinical Operations and Health Equity Louisiana Healthcare Connections Travel wellness Travel can disrupt routines, but proper planning can help maintain wellness. • Adults should pack nutritious snacks and incorporate movement during travel. • Children benefit from familiar items and healthy food options. • Adolescents should be encouraged to maintain sleep hygiene and limit screen time. • Older adults may require mobility aids, hydration strategies, and fre- quent breaks. 2 Building sustainable habits Summer is an ideal time to establish habits that support long-term health goals throughout the year. • Adults can use this time to reassess health goals and engage with well- ness programs. • Children and adolescents benefit from consistent routines that balance activity, nutrition, and rest. • Older adults may find value in com- munity-based wellness initiatives and intergenerational activities. Health plans offer a range of preventive and wellness services designed to support members in building lifelong healthy habits. Members are encouraged to contact their health plan to learn more about available programs, including care management, nutrition counseling, behavioral health support, and fitness benefits. In Louisiana, where summer weather can be both beautiful and extreme, intentional wellness strategies are essential for maintaining health and vitality. By focusing on hydration, nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and preventive care, members can thrive even in the face of weather-related challenges. Health plans play a critical role in supporting these efforts through benefit- aligned programs and clinical engagement such as nutrition counseling, wellness coaching, and behavioral health services. By embracing a proactive approach to summer wellness, health plans help safeguard member health during the hottest months — and also lay a strong foundation for their sustained well-being throughout the year. n REFERENCES 1 Gordon, B. “How Much Water Do You Need?” Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, June 23, 2022. https://www.eatright.org/health/essential- nutrients/water/how-much-water-do-you-need 2 American Heart Association. “How to Be Active Safely in Warm Weather.” Last reviewed Jan. 12, 2024. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/ fitness/getting-active/how-to-stay-active-in- warm-weather 3 Pappas, S. “Tips for protecting your mental health this summer.” American Heart Association, Monitor on Psychology vol. 55, no. 4 (June 1, 2024): 47. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2024/06/ protecting-mental-health-summer 4 Morris, A.; Patel, G. “Heat Stroke.” StatPearls. Last updated Feb. 13, 2023. https://www.ncbi . nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537135/ 5 Davies, D. “Extreme heat: Tips to Keep Kids Safe When Temperatures Soar.” American Academy of Pediatrics. Last updated Aug. 5, 2024. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Protecting- Children-from-Extreme-Heat-Information-for- Parents.aspx a mix of structured and unstructured play, with attention to hydration and sun safety. • Older adults should focus on low- impact activities that support balance and cardiovascular health, with attention to fall prevention. Mental wellness Summer can be a time for mental rejuvenation, but it also requires intentional strategies to support emotional well-being. • Adults may benefit from mindfulness practices and digital detox strategies. • Children and adolescents thrive with creative, screen-free activities and peer engagement. • Older adults should be supported in maintaining social connections to reduce isolation and promote cognitive health. 3 Preventing heat-related illnesses Heat-related illnesses such as dehydra- tion, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are preventable with education and proactive care. 4 • Adults should plan outdoor activities during cooler hours and use sun pro- tection. • Children and adolescents require su- pervision for signs of overheating and scheduled hydration breaks. 5 • Older adults are particularly vulner- able and should be supported with cooling strategies and rest periods.