Beating extreme summer heat

Beating extreme summer heat requires a combination of proactive measures to stay cool and hydrated. Here are some effective ways to beat the heat and stay cool:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Bring a water bottle with you wherever you go, and set goals for yourself to reach throughout the day! Try to avoid consuming too many sugary and alcoholic beverages, since they are especially dehydrating.
• Wear Light Clothing: While this may seem obvious, opt for loose-fitting, breathable, and light-colored clothing that allows air circulation and helps you stay cooler.
• Use Sunscreen: SPF is your best friend during these hot summer months. Apply face and body sunscreen with a high SPF (50-100) to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and prevent sunburn.
• Seek Shade: The summer sun can unforgiving, so make sure to take a break from the sun whenever possible, especially if you’ve been outside for an extended period of time. Wear a hat, relax under an umbrella, and take some trips inside to cool down and protect your skin.
• Limit Outdoor Activities: There are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer sun safely! If the heat or UV index is extreme, try to limit outdoor activities in direct sunlight during peak sun hours, usually between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Cool Showers and Baths: Taking cool showers or baths is a great way to cool down your body temperature and feels very refreshing, especially after a pool/beach day.
• Fans and Air Conditioning: Don’t worry too much about your utility bill… using personal/ceiling fans and cranking up the AC is key to cooling down and reducing stress from the heat.
• Close Curtains and Blinds: Keeping your curtains and blinds mostly closed will block out those hot sun rays, keeping your home cool and may reduce the cost of your AC bill!
• Create Cross-Ventilation: This is great to do at night when it’s much cooler. If you have multiple windows, open them strategically to create cross-ventilation, allowing cooler air to flow through your home and push out the hotter air.
• Use Cooling Products: Consider using cooling products such as damp towels, cooling vests, or handheld fans to help regulate your body temperature. Ice cream and popsicles are a tasty cool down treat as well.
• Avoid Heat-Producing Appliances: Refrain from using heat-producing appliances like ovens and stoves. It helps to make fridge-friendly meals like salads, smoothies, fruits, and sandwiches to reduce the heat produced from ovens and stoves.
• Stay in Basement or Lower Floors: Since heat rises, it can help to spend some time in the lower levels of your home, like your basement or first floor, which are typically cooler.
• Hydrate with Fruits: There are plenty of fruits and veggies that are especially hydrating due to their high water content. Try out some water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, celery, and oranges for a tasty way to maintain hydration levels.
• Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories, so you can plan your activities accordingly and take necessary precautions.