Here are a few things to keep in mind for the hot summer months to come!
1-
Apply sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of at least "SPF 15" to exposed portions of the body.
2-
Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
3-
Take advantage of shade in the environment and/or wear a wide-brimmed hat.
4-
Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
5-Keep
plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
6-
Don't rely upon thirst as an indicator of your need for water; it's not reliable in very high heat.
7-
Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar - these actually cause you to lose more body fluid and will promote dehydration. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
8-Some people swear by small, portable,
battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
9-
Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
11-
If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool.
12-Don't forget that
pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.
13-
In the morning, close up your house and draw blinds and drapes so the house stays darker and thus cooler.
14-If your area cools off in the evening,
take advantage of the cool evenings to cool off your entire house. Open windows and doors with screens to bring the inside temperature down.
15-
Plant some trees. If you live in a house, planting trees on the south and west sides of your home will provide enough shade in the summer (and wind blockage in the winter) to save you between $100 and $250 in energy costs annually, says a US Department of Energy estimate. Opt for deciduous trees, which shade in summer and allow light and radiant heat to pass through in the winter.
16-
Do a walk through. A walk through is where you walk outside then back inside, chances are, your house is hotter than the outside air, especially in the shade. If your house happens to be cooler, then you will feel the temperature difference after being outside, and feel cooler.
17-
Keep the back of your neck in shade (wear a cap in reverse way or raise your collar) and if necessary put a wet handkerchief on the back of the neck. The sensor for our body temperature control system is in this area and so with this you can make the body think that you are "cool".
19-
Cool that pulse point: Chill your pulse points by running cold water over your wrist for a minute or so each hour. Splashing water on your temples or face can produce a similar effect. And be sure to put some of that tap water into a glass and stay hydrated.
