Summertime is a time for fun in the sun, but it can also be a time for discomfort if you don’t take the necessary precautions to stay cool. Heat can cause a variety of health issues, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and potentially life-threatening heatstroke. Fortunately, there are things you can do to avoid these problems and stay cool in the hot summer months, as well as some ways to help your family avoid them as well. Here are six ways to help you beat the heat and stay comfortable this summer.
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1. A Portable AC Unit
Portable ACs are a great tool for keeping yourself cool this summer. You can use them to cool your home or office, and they are easy to move around, so you don’t have to be limited by where you plug in the hose. The best portable air conditioners also have a dehumidifier setting that will remove moisture from the air, leaving it feeling cooler than before. Additionally, you can find portable air conditioners that run on electricity, but you can also find ones that use water to cool the air.
2. Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is important all year round, but it’s especially critical during the summer months when temperatures are high and humidity levels make it difficult to keep your body temperature low enough to avoid problems. It’s important to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, so be sure to have plenty of fluids available around your home as well as places where you will be spending prolonged periods like in your car or at work. For example, you can keep a water bottle with you to drink from throughout the day or have a glass of water at your desk to sip on during breaks.
3. Wear Lightweight Clothing
One way to stay cool during the summer is by wearing clothing that is lightweight and breathable. Natural fabrics like cotton are ideal for warm weather because they allow your skin to breathe and don’t trap heat like synthetic materials. Additionally, light colors reflect sunlight better than dark colors, so opt for white or pastel-colored clothing when possible. And, if you’ll be spending time outdoors, consider wearing a hat or visor to shade your face from the sun’s harmful rays. For example, you can choose a wide-brimmed hat that protects your face and neck or a baseball cap with a bill to help keep the sun’s rays off your forehead.
4. Limit Your Time Outdoors In The Midday Sun
The sun is at its hottest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., so it’s best not to spend too much time outside during that window of time. If you do have to be outside during those hours, plan active activities for early morning or late evening so you can stay safe from heat exhaustion and dehydration. As an alternative, some cities offer air-conditioned indoor centers where people can go when the temperature gets too high outdoors. A great example of this would be the free library in your city! For example, the Los Angeles Public Library has air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and computers that people can use to stay cool and connected during the hottest months.
5. Use Fans And Air Conditioners To Stay Cool Indoors
Electric fans circulate the air in a room and can help evaporate sweat, which will make you feel cooler. If you don’t have central air conditioning, portable air conditioners can be a great way to cool down a specific room in your home. Just be sure to vent the unit properly so it doesn’t overheat and cause a fire. Additionally, ceiling fans can help circulate the air in a room and make it feel cooler. Be sure to clean your fan blades regularly to remove dust and dirt build-up.
6. Take A Cool Bath Or Shower
Taking a cool bath or shower is a great way to lower your body temperature and feel more comfortable in the heat. Add some Menthol crystals or essential oils to your bath water for an extra cooling effect. You can also put a cold compress on your forehead or back of your neck to help relieve headaches or dizziness that may be caused by the heat. Additionally, try soaking your feet in cold water for 10 minutes to cool down your entire body.
There are many ways to stay cool during the summer. Some of these include staying hydrated, wearing lightweight clothing, limiting your time in the midday sun, using fans and air conditioners indoors, taking a cool bath or shower, and more. What’s most important is that you find ways to keep yourself comfortable so you can enjoy all of the fun activities that summer has to offer!