With consecutive days over 100 degrees it’s important to be careful when spending time outdoors. Try these tips for keeping cool!
- Try to avoid any outdoor activities from 10am to 2pm when the sun is at its highest point.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Cotton or fabrics engineered to wick away sweat work best.
- Make sure to wear a hat, preferably with a large brim to deflect as much sun as possible keeping your face and neck cool. Also wet the hat when working outside to cool off even more.
- Wear open shoes if possible, this will allow the sweat to evaporate, keeping your feet nice and cool.
- Keep hydrated by drinking water and sports drinks.
- Freeze a bottle of water and take it with you when you go outside, as it melts you’ll have a lasting supply of ice-cold water.
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary sodas, since they progress dehydration.
- Eating spicy foods can encourage perspiration which will actually help you cool down.
- Tired of drinking water? Eat some watermelon, it has a higher content of water than any other food.
- Eat light foods, heavy foods high in saturated fat can make you slow down in the heat. Eating fruits and vegetables will help you stay hydrated and keep you light on your feet!
- Keep a portable personal fan with you to help you cool off!
- Don’t forget about Fido! Make sure your pets have access to fresh water and a shaded area at all times when outside. Pets can suffer from the same heat related problems as humans, but they can’t sweat, so if they get overheated help them out by wetting them down and getting them inside!
Remember to watch out for the warning signs of dehydration. Below are some sure signs that you need to get inside and hydrate, quick!
- Dry Lips and Mouth
- Decreased Salivation
- Feeling Tired, Loss of Energy
- Dizziness
- Sunken Eyes
- Rapid Pulse
- Loss of Skin Elasticity
- Infrequent Urination, Dark Urine
Advertisement
