When the outdoor temperatures reach triple digits and the scorching summertime heat seems to melt your body like ice cream under the sun, you must find effective ways to stay cool and beat the heat. While turning on the A/C full force seems like the most obvious answer to escape from record breaking heat waves, there are many other strategies to keep your home cool as well. When it comes to the outdoors, there are also several strategies to resort to in order to survive the strongest heat wave advisories.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, because of climate changes, heat waves are expected to become more and more frequent and severe, particularly in the northern latitudes. This means that it is important for people to have a good level of preparedness since many heat related illnesses and deaths can be prevented by adhering to certain guidelines. Following are some tips on ways to beat the heat this coming summer.
Ways to Beat the Heat in Summer 2010
When heat waves strike, problems start to occur when the body is no longer able to cool itself down. Normally, the sweating mechanism is the cooling system par excellence, but under certain conditions, sweating may just not be enough. Problems therefore start when the body temperature rises rapidly, potentially causing damage to the brain and other organs.
• Inspect your A/C
A good place to start is to have the air-conditioning system inspected for proper functionality. Make sure it is in working order and that nothing blocks the flow of air. Replace the filters as necessary. It is a good idea to inspect the A/C system of cars and other vehicles as well before summer heat arrives. Heat waves at times arrive unexpectedly: it is best to be ready.
• Find a Safe Haven
Should your A/C have a break down just when the heat wave arrives, head towards the mall, public library or heat-relief shelters that may be available in your area. Don’t try to ”play stoic” and resort to rudimentary solutions, heat waves are very dangerous and they do tend to kill.
• Turn These Off
You may have your A/C running full force, but some items in your home may be creating unwanted”hot spots”. Plug off your television set, turn off your dryer and dry your clothes outside, avoid using the oven and opt for the microwave instead. These course of action may really make a difference.
• Choose to Eat Light
Avoid that burger and portion of fries. Skip that lasagna. Turn away from elaborate dishes. Eating heavy will only make you feel hotter than ever. Opt instead for chilled salads, simple sandwiches, rice salads, pasta salads, corn of the cob and fruit salads. Stay light, your body will thank you and your health will too!
• Drink Plenty of Fluids
It can never be emphasized enough the importance of staying well hydrated. However, in order to stay well hydrated choose your liquids wisely. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcoholic drinks or sugary drinks. Plain water or sport drinks are better choices. Also stay away from excessively cold drinks as these may cause stomach cramps. Important rule of thumb: don’t wait to be thirsty in order to drink!
• Wear Loose Clothing
Select loose, light summer clothing preferably in cotton. Natural fabrics are much cooler than synthetics. The choice of color has also its impact, avoid dark colors like dark blue or black. Opt instead for loose fitting clothes in khaki, white or straw colors which will keep you cooler and will allow the air to circulate.
• Avoid the Warmest Hours
If you must exercise or head outdoors it is best to avoid the warmest hours of the day. Generally, early mornings and late evenings are much cooler than late mornings and afternoons. However, some days when heat advisories are in place, it is best to avoid heading out to exercise all together.
As seen, there are several ways to ensure you stay cool this summer. Of course, it may help as well to munch on frozen grapes or stay dipped in the kid’s pool to get relief! Don’t forget your sunscreen anywhere you go and learn how to recognize the early warning signs of heat stroke. Preparedness is ultimately key to beating the summer heat this 2010, are you ready?
