Strength in Every Season
The summer months are a time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and long, hard days on the job. For union members and their families, it’s also a critical time to focus on health, safety, and community well-being. At LaborPress, we believe in supporting every part of the union member’s life—on the job, at home, and everywhere in between.
This July, our theme is “Summer Days, Healthy Ways”—a month-long campaign to help union workers, retirees, and supporters stay safe, nourished, and energized throughout the hottest season of the year. From skin protection to BBQ tips, from hydration to heat safety, this blog will help you make the most of summer while keeping your health front and center.
Whether you’re working on the jobsite in direct sun, caring for loved ones at home, or heading to the beach for some well-earned rest, there are smart ways to stay safe and feel your best. Let’s dive in.
Eye Health: Protecting Your Vision Under the Sun
Your eyes are your windows to the world—and in summer, they take a beating. Whether you’re working with reflective surfaces, driving for long hours, or relaxing at a beach or park, UV rays can cause long-term damage to your vision.
Quick Tips to Protect Your Vision:
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses (100% UVA and UVB protection)
- Use safety glasses on the job
- Avoid midday sun when possible
- Stay hydrated to reduce eye fatigue and dryness
Skin Health: Sun Protection for the Whole Family
For laborers, the summer sun isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a real hazard. Skin cancer is one of the most common (and preventable) cancers in the U.S. Yet too often, sunscreen is forgotten or used incorrectly.
Summer Skin Care Checklist:
- Apply SPF 30+ before sun exposure
- Reapply every 2 hours, or after sweating/swimming
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves when possible
- Check your skin monthly for unusual changes
Heat Safety: Recognize the Signs, Stay Cool
Whether you’re working construction, attending a union rally, or enjoying a summer event, heat safety must be part of your daily awareness.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion:
- Dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, heavy sweating
Stay protected by:
- Taking shade breaks
- Drinking plenty of water
- Easing into physical activity in the heat
- Checking in on coworkers and family members
Smart Summer Nutrition: Better BBQs and Outdoor Eats
Union members know how to throw a great cookout—but summer meals don’t have to come with a side of fatigue or blood sugar crashes.
Smarter BBQ Choices:
- Grill lean proteins like chicken or fish
- Add colorful veggie skewers
- Serve whole grain or lettuce-wrapped buns
- Offer fruit-infused water instead of sugary sodas
- Store perishables safely to avoid food-borne illness
Hydration Matters: More Than Just Water
Hydration Tips:
- Drink before you feel thirsty
- Refill a reusable water bottle throughout the day
- Eat water-rich foods like melon and cucumber
- Limit caffeine and alcohol
Move Safely: Staying Active While Avoiding Injury
Summer is a great time to get outside and move, but don’t skip safety.
- Stretch before activity
- Use proper footwear
- Wear helmets for biking
- Know your limits—rest when needed
Wellness for Every Union Member
At LaborPress, we understand that no two union members are the same—but everyone deserves a healthy, enjoyable summer. Whether you’re on the clock or enjoying time off, there are steps you can take to stay well.
On-the-Job Union Members
- Prioritize rest and hydration breaks
- Use protective gear for eyes, skin, and head
- Encourage a culture of safety by watching out for coworkers
Retirees and Older Adults
- Avoid peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
- Keep a fan or AC unit running indoors
- Stay active with low-impact movement like walking or swimming
Families and Caregivers
- Use hats, shade, and sunscreen for kids
- Enforce water safety rules at pools and beaches
- Make healthy eating fun with “build-your-own” fruit bowls or grill nights
Union Leadership and Staff
- Share wellness tips with your members
- Model safety during summer site visits
- Encourage worksite hydration stations and health-based raffles or giveaways
Summer health is a team effort—and the stronger each of us is, the stronger we all become.
Recharge. Reconnect. Reward Yourself.
As we step into the heart of summer, let this season serve as both a celebration and a reminder: You work hard all year long—now’s the time to take care of yourself.
Whether it’s through a healthier lunch at the job site, a walk with your kids in the evening, or just a quiet moment with a cold drink in hand, summer is your chance to recharge your body and reconnect with the people you care about most.
You don’t need a weeklong vacation to feel refreshed. You just need intention.
So protect your health, savor the sunshine, and remember: Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s solidarity in action. You can’t build a movement without strength, and strength starts with wellness.
From all of us at LaborPress, have a safe, joyful, and healthy July. Let’s make this a summer to remember.
