Beat the Heat on the Cheap

I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where right now, it's awful hot. I also don't live somewhere that has central air or air conditioning and my little apartment gets really hot really quickly. With record setting hot weather, here are some tips for those of us without air conditioning or those of us just wanting to save some money.

1) If you're a soda drinker, or buy bottled water or even just have bottles to keep drinking water hanging around, fill a few halfway before bed and drop them into the freezer. The next day add some water on top and you have ice water that will last you quite awhile. If you're on the run, take one of those bottles and wrap it in a plastic bag to catch condensation and you have ice water on the go. You can also use a handkerchief to keep a little extra cool on the go. Just fold it up and drop it in your pocket, wet it with the condensation from your bottle and swipe across your brow.

2) An easy one: keep your shutters or curtains closed. A darker interior will stay cooler during the day. Also, try to use as few lights as possible. If you have to use your kitchen, try using the light over your stove to see by instead of the brighter lights. It'll help keep you cool and save you money.

3) Prepare in advance. Before the weather starts heating up, stock up on fans. Keep an eye out at your favorite discount stores for small personal fans or the bigger ones. Don't be afraid to check out your local thrift store for fans as well. Many thrift stores sell things like that in good condition that may just need a good cleaning. Always remember to use the test outlets before purchase to make sure you get a functional piece of equipment.

4) To keep your body happy and healthy, be careful with yourself. Don't leave the house without sunscreen no matter what shade your skin is. If you are especially unused to very sunny conditions don't forget to get spots we tend to forget, the back of your neck if your hair doesn't cover it, between your toes if you're wearing flip-flops or sandals. And very important make sure to use sunscreen not only during hot weather but as habit. Your skin will thank you.

5) If you like to exercise outside, try to schedule your work out time outside the hottest time of day where you live. In many places this might not be high noon. If your neighborhood gets a lot of evening exposure try doing your workout early and vice versa. You might even enjoy trying your work out early evening to avoid the heat. If you must work out during the hotter parts of the day don't forget to bring water and if you start to feel faint, have a seat in the shade and take a break.

6) Be wary of heat rash. Heat rash can happen to anyone infants to adults and there are some ways you can avoid it and if not avoid it take care of it. Heat rash is typically presents itself as an itchy spot that may have little bumps or blisters. Most commonly people experience heat rash in the groin and armpit areas. Women should watch out for it underneath their breasts as well. If you have a large belly watch out under it. To help avoid heat rash try to wear lighter less tight fitting clothes when it's hot, try to stay cool and avoid using heavy creams or ointments as they can block your pores. You can also try wearing clothes made out of natural breathable fibers. If you do wind up with heat rash the good news is that most cases will clear up as long as you keep the area clean and reasonably dry. If you start to experience a fever, chills or the rash gets worse seek medical attention.

7) If you're not a lover of plain water, try making quick iced tea. Use 5-6 tea bags in a coffee mug and add about two inches of hot water or so. Steep until your tea is quite dark, sweeten to taste and add to chilled or iced water for quick iced tea. If heat gives you an upset tummy, try making a peppermint tea that won't only cool you down, but calm your stomach as well.

8) If your house is just too dang hot, try picking up a book or your laptop and heading to your local coffee shop, shopping mall, etc. Many have air conditioning or wi-fi and you can spend some time walking around or relaxing in a nice cool environment. I highly suggest a shopping mall especially if you have small kids who might not be ready to go to the movies yet.

9) If you are looking for places to go that are less expensive, check your local newspapers for things like matinee screenings of movies. Get a group of friends together and go bowling, head to your local art museum. Also keep your eye out for places that might be running beat the heat specials.

Above all else, remember take it easy. Even if you don't have a lot of money you too can keep cool when the weather heats up. Good luck!