Ideas for beating the Summer Heat

Ideas for beating the Heat During the Dog Days of Summer

1. Pick cooler times of the day to job or do outdoor activities
2. Wear loose-fitting, light color, clothing. Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
3. Fans can make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house but fans are not effective at 90 and above.
4. Store lotions in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet. Soak feet in cold water.
5. Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; you'll get icy cold water to drink as they melt
6. Take a cool bath or shower or go swimming
7. Water also helps by wetting your hat or hair or shirt.
8. Drink plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes. Don't wait to be thirsty to drink.
9. Use a portable, battery-powered fan. Some include a water bottle for misting.
10. Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
11. Instead of hot foods, enjoy lighter, more frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or dairy products.
12. Pay special attention to the elderly, infants, anyone with a chronic illness, and pets during extreme heat.
13. During cool times of day/night open windows and doors with screens to bring the house temperature down. During the day close up your house and draw blinds and drapes to keep out the sun.
14. Sit in the lowest part of your house where it's coolest