Health & Fitness
Keep Cool This Summer
Maid Brigade has some advice for keeping cool when the summer is at its hottest.
By Maid Brigade of Northern CT
Summer is here to stay and man, is it hot out!
While summer is a great time to spend time doing things with the family, it is also a time to make sure that you are taking care of yourself.
Some people are particularly vulnerable to heat and should stay in cool places during hot weather – such as children, the elderly, and those who have health problems.
Here is some advice for keeping cool this summer.
Stay out of the sun while it's at its hottest. Avoid exercising, traveling, sitting, and walking about in the noonday sun as much as possible. When you are outside during these times, limit your exposure to heat by retreating to shade as much as possible and not exerting yourself. Most of all, drink plenty of water.
Whatever you're doing outdoors, having a plan will help cut down on unnecessary activity in the heat. By having a plan, you can set time limits on your exposure to the heat and plan ways to minimize the effects of the heat before you head into it each day.
Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing will help to keep you cooler, even better if it is light in color as this will reflect the heat and sunlight better. Cotton clothing tends to keep you cool. Be careful of synthetics as they can increase heat, although some synthetic clothes are specifically made to reduce heat (check the labels). Wear a wide-brimmed hat, as this helps to keep you cooler by providing shade, and always add sunglasses.
Flip flops are great for some summer activities, but more strenuous activities require arch support, durability, and comfort. Sport sneakers are great. Remember to wear socks, preferably ones that wick away moisture to help keep you cool and comfortable. If you're going to the beach or pool, wear water shoes to protect your feet from the heat of beach sand. Be careful if you decide to go barefoot. Many artificial pavements become unbearably hot during warm weather and can scald your feet.
Water is essential for keeping your cool during hot weather. Water keeps your body cool and you should drink it often, even if you don't feel thirsty. Freeze a bottle of water to carry around with you. It'll be solid when you leave the house but the heat will start melting it from the moment you take it out of the freezer and you'll benefit from the continuously chilled slowly thawing water. Wrapping it in toweling will prevent water condensation from impacting other items in your bag.
As well as water for drinking, use it to spritz yourself cool too. Fill a spray bottle with water and place it in the refrigerator. When you feel too hot, spray a fine mist of the cooled water over face and body to help cool you down quickly.
Fans can keep you cool by continuously circulating air. Paper or battery-operated fans can be used almost anywhere. You can also try making your own "swamp cooler." This can be done by simply placing a bowl of chilled water in front of a fan and letting the fan air blow over it. Other methods include wetting a large piece of fabric, such as a towel or sheet, and hanging it in front of a fan and letting the air blow through the wet material.
Rest is an important way of coping with too much heat. Don't deny yourself the opportunity to rest when you feel fatigued during warm weather. In high heat, consider moving slowly to prevent overheating.
Make a game out of staying cool. Kids know how much fun it can be to find playful ways to stay cool and there are some really enjoyable ways to stay cool when it's hot, whatever your age. Turn on the sprinklers, make water balloons, have a pool party, have an afternoon of making and eating your own frozen treats, or go to the movies, the library, the skating rink, or the water park.
