As Summer Winds Down, Beat The Heat

Ideas To Beat The Summer Heat

By Anna Hessel

Earlier this month, we talked about how to look good during the dog days of August. Looking good is one thing, but actually beating the heat is another story altogether. It’s easy to overheat, but below are some practical tips to stay cool, comfortable, and safe during this summer heatwave:

1. Go to a pool, water park, or splash pad. Some can be pricey but some offer resident, student, and/or senior discounts. Others offer special prices on sites like Groupon. Splash pads are often free or nominal fees for adults. Many condo or apartment complexes have pools onsite. If you’re not blessed enough to have a pool of your own, make friends with a neighbor that does. Even indoor pools can cool in the hot temperatures.
2. If public pools or beaches are not your thing, get in touch with your inner kid and bring out a lawn sprinkler or rig up the garden hose – just don’t drink from it…
3. Stay hydrated – keep up liquid consumption. Water and clear juices are best – watch out for caffeinated drinks and alcohol, both of which can dry your system out.
4. Air conditioning and fans are our friends in the summer months but watch your utility bills. Try budget plans that allow you to pay a fixed rate all year long. Keeping drapes or blinds closed can significantly cut the cooling energy load. A paper fan can work in a pinch…
5. Outside, have it made in the shade – a shady spot can be 10-20 degrees cooler (or even more) than in the sun.
6. Looser clothing and sunscreen are musts. Breathable fabrics, sandals, shorts, halters, tasteful tube tops, rompers, and halters are cooling attire. If you are visiting a family water park or pool, do not wear a thong bikini, please – show some respect and decorum.
7. Keeping colognes, toners, sunburn creams, and the like in the fridge can do wonders to cool you down.
8. A cold shower is not just a curb for your sex drive; try a temp at lukewarm or tepid – colder may overdo it.
9. Rinse your wrists and cool your neck area – you will notice an immediate difference.
10. Avoid being outdoors during the hottest times of the day, typically between 11 am and 2 pm, when the sun is strongest.
11. Enjoy some frozen treats or slushes.
12. Ice, in drinks or on your forehead, will cool you down quickly.
13. Use all cotton bedding or linens made with breathable fabrics, and leave off the blankets or comforters.
14. Salads and cold sandwiches are perfect dinner and lunch options. Eat a cucumber to stay as cool as one, and fresh summer fruits are a great dessert.
15. Deodorant-antiperspirant: self-explanatory…
16. Use the power of suggestion: watch a winter movie or TV show – Christmas in August, anyone?
17. Remember our furry friends need to stay cool, too. If we are hot, imagine how they feel with built-in fur coats. If you see your pet panting, cool them off. Bathing pets, or getting them a kiddie pool can help. Keep a bowl of water with ice cubes nearby for them. Carry a collapsible furbabies bowl if you are taking them outdoors. Do not leave them in hot cars. Keep walks shorter and shave their fur if need be.
18. Use air conditioning or open car windows while in transit – above 30-35 mph on average, the less drag with closed windows offsets the additional air conditioning add to fuel consumption. Let car air out a bit before sitting on the hot seats. Cars can often feel like you’re entering an oven, or even a steam bath, when parked outside.
19. Take a cool and comforting bubble bath.
20. Avoid strenuous exercise like biking, hiking, walking, jogging, or running in hot temperatures. Opt for indoor air-conditioned exercise, instead. Swimming of course is ideal.

Remember in just a few months, when you are dressing in layers, shoveling snow, and snuggling under the covers to get warm, you will long for the Dog Days of summer.