Hot Weather Safety Tips

My niece and nephew arrived in Texas for their summer visit last night. They are from here, but for the last three years have been residing in Maine. Before we even picked up their luggage from baggage claim, they were complaining of the heat--- in an air conditioned AIRPORT.

I was laughing as I actually thought the airport was pretty comfortable. Just wait until we ventured, you know----- outside. This is Texas, after all.

This morning my nephew and I went over some hot weather survival tips to present to my niece... who is still sleeping (the joys of being a teenager!) We hope this effort... really just a reiteration of the basics... will help her survive her SUMMER visit to Texas.

Hot Weather Safety Tips- red is not a good color on most

If a person becomes sunburned in an attempt to tan, it is best to remember that sunburn affects the body's natural cooling process. Being sunburned equates being hot. Wear sunscreen! Take some with you and reapply. Applying once in the morning and then heading off to a day at the lake, beach, or water park will not suffice. Maybe that tan is not so imperative since we are talking about life and death consequences here - (I cannot return to Maine without a great tan!) after all. Being safe, being well and being cool are important. Wait... to whom am I speaking? An adolescent who knows everything.

Hot Weather Safety Tips-eat more (my nephew perked up at this one!)

This is not an all inclusive pass to eat more every day... but rather eat smaller well-balanced meals. Just more often than the standard three squares a day. This is where, if you are already in the regiment of consuming six mini meals a day, you are right on target. My nephew is still fighting for his definition of small meals to "win". Oh, a growing adolescent male! It is a good thing I fully stocked the pantry before his arrival.

Hot Weather Safety Tips- Hydration is vital

I am not just talking about a good hair shampoo here. Nor am I referring to "I am drinking, see here is my third coke!". I am referring to water intake. Drink more water. In fact, refrain from drinking any caffeinated beverages and only water. (My nephew visibly flinched over this.)

Hot Weather Safety Tips- light is the new black...

Light -colored, loose fitting clothing is essential for summer survival in Texas. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight: thus helping your body maintain normal temperatures. Black T-shirts are all you brought? Where is my phone... I am calling your mother! What were you thinking? And do not tell me that you were thinking of your deference to Johnny Cash.

Hot Weather Safety Tips- A/C is our friend

Stay indoors. Not every day has to be spent outside all day. What is the worst time to be outside while the sun rays are at its most damaging? Come on... that is right... between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. Think board games or card games... not video games. (Oh-oh... another flinch!)

Basic stuff. One would think... however, even my nephew - a supremely intelligent person (no, I am not biased at all!)- struggled to list these five basic beat the heat strategies.

Stay cool and enjoy your summer! My poor niece, she thought the airport was stifling, and that is was so hot! Their plane landed at 9:00 at night... and since she is still sleeping right now... she might be in for a bit of a shock this mid- morning when she awakens to 100+ degrees.