Summertime heat can be a killer. As heatwaves sweep the US, you can take note of these simple guidelines and you'll find easy ways to save your health, vitality, and money as you combat the summer sun.
1. Stay hydrated
Don't wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Drink, drink, and drink. It's not a bad idea to drink water first thing in the morning and carry water with you throughout the day. Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks (especially colas) and avoid alcohol completely (which can totally dehydrate you). Recent studies indicate that unsweetened tea (especially green tea) is a perfectly decent method of hydration, but nothing beats water. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are good for athletes who lose a ton of minerals via perspiration from really strenuous activities, but is usually a bad idea as a normal means or hydrating yourself.
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2. Get in the water
If you can dip in the pool or nearby lake or ocean, it's going to do wonders for a sun-exhausted body, plus once you get out, the evaporating water will cool your skin down. Just be very careful -- drowning numbers spoke in summer. Young children, the elderly, and inexperienced swimmers top the statistics, so keep a watch on those at high risk. Also, be careful mixing alcohol with water activities.
Barring that, frequent showers can do quite a bit to cool you off.
3. Change air-conditoner filters
Ideally you'll want to change air conditioning filters every month. Getting dust and pet hair out of the A/C makes it work much more efficiently (and greatly improves the quality of your air).
4. Dress right
In summer heat, the less the better, but then, we can't wear bikinis to the office. Light colors reflect the sun's rays better. Loose fitting, light material allows more air to move around, and if you have to wear something formal, consider buying what tailors refer to as "tropical weight" suits. If you are going to spend prolonged time outside and are prone to sunburn, consider long sleeves.
5. Mind the "sweatpoint" (78F)
For most people, they begin to sweat around 78F and above. With that in mind, you can often adjust the thermostat a bit higher to save money, and use fans if its not enough to feel comfortable.
6. Speaking of fans
Fans can do quite a bit to make things more comfortable, even small ones, which use very little electricity. A fan used in conjunction with A/C can keep you more comfortable for much less money than just cranking the air conditioner down to 70 degrees.
Window fans are also useful to throw in the mix. The advice of pointing a fan to blow hot air OUT a window is more than wives' tale. It works. Fans don't otherwise cool a room down, however.
7. The desert trick
Dry air is much easier to cool than humid air. If you live in a dry climate, you have many more options for cooling yourself down. One trick is to hang a damp sheet in a window (preferably, a white one). The evaporating water combined with the wind will create colder air.
Using the same idea, you can also stick a bucket of ice in front of a fan.
8. Eat light.
Nothing feels nastier than loading up on carbs, fats, and proteins on a hot day. Getting full on heavy food will leave anyone feeling downright lethargic. Consider eating lighter fare, such as fruits and vegetables, and try making yourself a salad for breakfast. Try to eat smaller, more frequent meals and you'll find the heat much easier to tolerate.
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9. Don't push yourself
If you are going to be active outside during the day, try to plan activities in the early morning and early evening when the sun isn't so strong and temperatures not so severe. If you do find yourself active in the midday sun, don't overdo it. If you start to feel fatigued, take a break, sit in the shade and keep drinking water.
10. Sunburn can be an issue if you are outside for prolonged periods. Use at least SPF 15 sunblock, and be sure to re-apply it if you spend time in the water. Don't forget often neglected spots, such as the back of the neck, ears, and lips.
