8 Items You Should Buy To Save Money on Healthcare This Summer

There are a lot of summer deals that’ll save you money sizzling up during these hot months, but none are more important than the items you should be buying to protect your health and and your family’s health, especially in the summer heat. It might seem like a no-brainer, but not enough people take the time to shop for things that’ll keep them healthy and protect them against summer-related health hazards.

If this sounds like you and you are thinking it might take more money than you have to stay healthy and cool during summer, the good news is there is relief — both from the heat and from burning through your paycheck. Plus, these items will save a trip to the doctor’s office or emergency room, preventing a disaster instead of aiding one after the fact.

Read Next: 6 Summer Essentials To Buy at Five Below To Save Money

Find Out: 6 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)

Here are eight items you should buy to stay healthy and save money on healthcare this summer .

Multivitamins

Despite all the care you take when deciding on your diet, there can be nutritional gaps, according to Lesley Kumar, CNS, a registered dietician and nutrition consultant with Ring Side 24 .

“Multivitamin tablets are the best for filling such gaps and supporting your overall health. They reduce the need for doctor visits,” Kumar said, noting that, on average, a month’s supply of multivitamin tablets costs between $10 and $20.

Trending Now: I’m a Costco Superfan: Here Are My 10 Hot Buys for Summer

Teas

You might think it is too hot for tea, but consider the health implications — not just physically but mentally as well.

“Mood-supporting goodies like herbal teas can be such saviors during stressful times,” said Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, a mental health expert and a senior contributor at Our Public Records .

“Having a soothing chamomile, lavender or ashwagandha tea on hand gives you an accessible ritual to de-stress and avoid those unhealthy coping habits that can easily snowball into bigger issues,” Johnson said, noting that there are plenty of great tea options for under $5 at your local grocery store.

Probiotics

Good health starts in your gut, and a way to keep your gut in tip-top condition is to take a regimen of probiotics.

“Probiotics are another great investment for gut health, very closely linked to overall well-being,” said Patrick McClure, a health expert and CEO of Winit Clinic . “If taken regularly, a month’s supply of some good probiotics should cost at most $15-$30 from any grocery store or pharmacy.

“They aid in digestion and can forestall many health complications if the digestive system is kept healthy,” McClure added.

Reusable Water Bottles

Staying hydrated is essential, especially in the summer heat. “While sugary drinks can be tempting, I advise you to go for reusable water bottles,” Kumar said. “Besides encouraging you to drink sufficient water, they are cheap.”

These will cost approximately $20 to $40, and they are sustainable and can be found in any retail outlet, according to Armen Gazaryan, the chairman and medical expert at Call The Care .

“A reusable on-the-go water bottle with an in-built filter will provide you with clean drinking water from virtually any source, and will help to decrease bottled water and its possible harmful contaminants,” Gazaryan said.

First Aid Kit

With summer comes a lot of activities — and potentially injuries. Another essential tool is a basic first-aid kit, in the professional opinion of McClure.

“You never know when you will need it to save yourself many hassles by not having to visit the emergency room for small injuries,” McClure said. “Usually, you can get a decent first aid kit, including bandages, antiseptics and some pain relievers, right from any chemist for about $20-$30.”

Hot-and-Cold Pack

You might want the cold part more than the hot, but McClure said that a hot-and-cold pack is helpful in a variety of ways, no matter what temperature you choose.

“These packs treat a variety of injuries and maladies at home to relieve muscle pain or swelling,” McClure said.

“They cost around $10-$15 and can be found in most pharmacies,” he said. “They are just one of those really simple, inexpensive ways to manage pain and inflammation without medication.”

Exercise Bands

Kumar said that remaining fit does not mean going to the gym daily and performing exercise routines.

“You can do home workouts and stay fit without going to the gym,” Kumar explained. “Exercise bands are ideal for your home workouts. They save on high gym fees. Typically, exercise bands are available between $10 and $20.”

Jump Rope

A jump rope is a low-cost cardio tool that has become a home gym staple and comes highly recommended by Jose Guevara, a highly experienced fitness instructor, a home gym equipment expert and the founder of Shredded Dad .

“Jump roping gets your heart pumping while improving coordination and joint mobility,” Guevara explained. “Consistent use can boost cardiovascular fitness, lowering risks like hypertension.”

Guevara said that quality ropes can be found for under $15.

“These inexpensive tools and preventative strategies represent a modest investment now that can really pay off in maintaining overall health and avoiding escalating minor issues into costlier long-term problems,” he said.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : 8 Items You Should Buy To Save Money on Healthcare This Summer