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It’s that time of year when the sun is shining and temperatures are on the rise.  Being outside can not only be unpleasant, it can also be dangerous if you’re not careful as heat exhaustion and heat stroke are real dangers.  Here are some tips that will keep you staying cool as a cucumber, some of them may be reminders but they’re still important to keep in mind!

  • Drink plenty of water.  It’s important to stay hydrated during the warmer months because when your body is hot it dehydrates more quickly.  Try to keep a water bottle on you at all times and if you’re going outside, put the water in the freezer first and as the ice melts you’ll still have cold water.
  • Dress appropriately.  Dark colors draw sunlight to you, so try and wear lighter colors if you’re going to be outside during peak heat hours.  It’s also a good idea to opt for cotton clothing because it’s lighter and more breathable than other fabrics such as silk or polyester.
  • Get a fan.  Even if your house has air conditioning, a fan can help circulate the cool air and keep the temperature down.  If you’re going outside consider getting a small portable fan to bring with you, it will keep you cool in crowded spaces and you may even want to consider getting a portable fan with a spray bottle attached to it, so you can give yourself a quick spray of water to cool off.
  • Stay shaded.  This is hard to do if you have to be outside, but try to either wear a hat to cover your head and neck or pull your collar up.  If you’re wearing a hat, you can also pour some cold water in it and then put it back on your head for a quick cool down.
  • Take advantage of public air conditioning.  If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, make plans to go to public places with AC like the mall, a restaurant, or the movies.  You could also always ask a friend who has air conditioning if you can crash at their place for a bit until it cools down.
  • Avoid hot and heavy foods.  These will make you feel hot and slow you down, it’s better to opt for cooler, lighter foods like fruit, vegetables, or popsicles.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol.  These will speed up the process of dehydration.
  • Don’t over do it with exercising.  If you plan on working out, try to do it indoors or in the early morning or evening, that way you’ll avoid the hottest times of day.  You may want to also cut down the time and or intensity of your workout.
  • Take cold showers.  These will help cool you down quickly and stay cool for a while, if this isn’t an option though you can always submerge your feet in a bucket of cool water or run your wrists under cold water for a few seconds.  Most of the heat from your body comes from those areas so keeping them cool will cool down the rest of your body.
  • Limit sun exposure.  This is the easiest way to stay cool, by avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the hours of 10 AM until 6 PM, when the sun is at its hottest.

With these tips, it’ll be easy to beat the heat and stay nice and cool this summer!

Photo By: ToastyKen