By Kim McDermott, Wellness Manager

Summer is the season for sunshine, adventures, and spending more time outdoors, but it’s also the perfect time to give your body and skin a little extra support. From staying hydrated in the heat and soothing tired muscles to nourishing sun-kissed skin and keeping pesky bugs at bay, we have rounded up some of our favorite products to help you feel your best all season long. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your nighttime routine, recover after a day outside, or discover a new wellness staple, these staff favorites are worth checking out!

Below are a few of my top favorite must haves for summer.

Bioptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough Drink

Bioptimizers brand magnesium is coming soon! Bioptimizers unique magnesium blend contains 7 different types of magnesium. Each type has benefits for the different organ systems and tissues, so you get total body support, including muscle function/recovery, relaxation, heart and nervous system health, cellular energy, and energy metabolism. The addition of the tart cherry extract in a therapeutically significant 1 gm dose aids muscle recovery and sleep, with real cherry flavor that’s not overpowering. It’s my new favorite go-to magnesium before bed!

Life Flo Magnesium Lotion

Magnesium lotion is an alternative way to get magnesium, useful for those who don’t want to take the mineral orally.  Since it’s absorbed through the skin, it’s great for soothing muscles after a day of outdoor work or play.  This lotion is perfect before bedtime to assist with relaxation and sleep.  

Sky & Sol Tallow Cream

An ‘Everywhere’ cream that contains just 6 natural ingredients, including grass-fed tallow, jojoba oil, mango butter and propolis.  Tallow has been used for centuries in traditional skincare, due to its similarity to the natural oil produced by our skin.  This super rich cream is perfect for after sun care and nourishes deeply while also protecting the skin’s natural barrier. Fatty acids in tallow are anti-inflammatory, which may be why tallow is especially useful for irritated, dry, itchy skin.

Humble Deodorants

Simple effective ingredients and innovative, alluring scents make Humble one sexy deodorant company! Humble makes it easy to say no to plastic with earth-friendly cardboard packaging, and they donate to 1% For the Planet for every purchase. Rockrose scent is one of their bestsellers, co-created by native Iowan Jason Momoa. A Wheatsfield shopper said it best when asked what she liked about Humble deodorants: “I love the smell, I love how they go on, and I love that they work!” ‘Nuf said.

Trace Minerals Electrolyte Powerpaks

It seems everyone has gotten the message about the importance of staying well hydrated using electrolytes, especially in the summer. Dehydration can occur when working outdoors in the heat and/or sweating a lot, and can cause blood volume to drop, resulting in brain fog, fatigue and muscle weakness; otherwise known as dehydration fatigue. Electrolytes are minerals that assist in keeping the body hydrated and are needed to regulate fluid levels, support muscle and nerve function, and maintain pH balance. Trace Minerals power packs keep you hydrated during the heat of summer, and come in a variety of flavors. With only 1 gram of sugar, they have just the right amount of sweetness. Power packs have become a favorite of the Wellness staff, mainly because they make a noticeable difference when we use them regularly.

Bug Soother Max

Bug Soother is manufactured by Ecolips, an Iowa Company in Cedar Rapids. The ‘Max’ version is the newest addition to their Bug Soother line, a beefed–up original version with extra essential oils like cedarwood, thyme, geranium, and clove. The Max formula is deet-free and designed to repel both mosquitoes and ticks. After all the recent rain, this product will be your new best friend on your outdoor excursions!

Empowr Protein + Creatine

Move over plain old protein powder! Empowr plant protein represents the next generation of protein supplements, with creatine added in for additional muscle and cellular support. Creatine is generating a lot of interest not only for gym enthusiasts, but also the 50 and over crowd. It’s being included in more protein supplements as it helps increase muscle mass when paired with resistance training, and aids in the regeneration of ATP, the molecule that helps power muscle cells. 

Research is also showing creatine boosts brain function, by increasing memory and processing speed. Lastly, creatine may benefit postmenopausal women by conferring muscle and bone strength. Empowr supports the whole body with protein for muscle strength and recovery, creatine for muscles and cognitive support, and a Lactospore probiotic for gut health. Besides a hefty 25 gram serving of protein, there’s no added sugar or artificial flavors, so you can feel good about fueling your body with Empowr.