10 Cool Tips for Summer Heat

While a sunny summer is nice, too much of something is never a good thing. Excessive heat can cause dangerous conditions, such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are some ways to beat the summer heat.

1. Wear natural fabrics, such as a loose-fitting, white cotton or linen shirt. Dark fabrics absorb light more than lighter ones.

2. Replace the salt lost from excessive sweating with lemon water. One squeezed lemon provides 21% of a person's daily required dose of vitamin C. The acid in lemons can damage your teeth so don't forget to use a straw.

3. Remember that foods rich in fat and protein take longer for your body to digest and therefore require additional metabolic heat. Go for salads to help you feel light and hydrated.

4. Use frozen water bottles to cool down your pulse points including behind your ear, at the bottom of your throat, on your wrist, inside your elbow and behind your knee.

5. Apply a moisturizer that contains aloe vera on sunburned skin. Sunburns slow the skin's ability to cool itself off.

6. Invest in room-darkening curtains to help keep the light and heat out more efficiently.

7. Avoid heat-producing appliances, such as the dryer. Air-dry your clothes instead.

8. Avoid using the oven, try outdoor grilling or use a slow cooker to help keep the heat out.

9. Ditch your incandescent lights and make the switch to LED bulbs. LEDs give off cooler lighting, which also means your air conditioner won't have to run as high during summer.

10. Stay indoors or in an air-conditioned area as much as possible. Spending only two hours in an air-conditioned space can help reduce your risk of heat stroke.

For Active Lives - How to Stay Hydrated

With temperatures sky-high this summer, staying hydrated is important whether you're just sitting in the sun, exercising for recreation or playing sports. If dehydration sets in, you may start to feel tired and dizzy, have muscle cramps or lose consciousness, entirely. Here are some tips to stay ahead of your hydration needs, especially for those who have an active lifestyle:

• Before exercise: Drink 17 to 20 ounces of water within 2 to 3 hours
• During warm-up: Drink 8 ounces of water within 20 to 30 minutes
• During exercise: Drink 7 to 10 ounces of water every 10 to 20 minutes
• After exercise: Drink 8 ounces of water within 30 minutes

Staying cool as a cucumber this summer can be easier than it seems. But if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or dehydration, go to the nearest hospital or call 911. Please do not delay care. We are here for you.

Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Weather Service
National Safety Council
Medical News Today
Healthline
Farmer’s Almanac
FamilyDoctor.org
Green America
Lifehack