Summer Days Summer Heat Survival

Heat advisories are out for Wayne and Oakland counties as temperatures soar in the nineties and no relief is in sight.

Summer time does bring out a host of activities from swimming to boating to just lying around in the sun. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning that these hot and humid temperatures can be dangerous.

Among the natural disaster list heat waves rank number one in causing the most deaths. One American dies every hour from skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in the United States according to the EPA.

The EPA is offering some helpful suggestions for this hot summer weather:

Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or higher applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours. See what Consumer Reports list as the best and inexpensive sun screens online at msnbc.com.

Keep hydrated and wear light colored loose fitting clothing so your skin is protected by UV rays. Brimmed hats and sunglasses are also a definite plus.

The suns peak hours are between 10 am and 4 pm so if you have to be outside try and stay in the shade.

The elderly need to be safe in the heat and sun. If you know anyone elderly, watch them for signs of heat illness.

Check the air quality, high ozone on hot summer days which can make the air unhealthy to breathe.

Other suggestions:

Summer allergies bothersome, rub a few drops of lavender essential oil between the palms of your hands and inhale deeply. This just may aide in alleviating the discomfort of airborne pollen.

Need to relax and have a boost in mood, use peppermint essential oils the same way as above it will help fight fatigue and boost your mood for that outdoor barbeque. You can also place on few drops on your feet and spine to have that cool effect. Peppermint tea in a spray bottle works just as good. Keep one filled in the refrigerator and when you feel hot simply sprits your body.

Other oils include:

Lemon balm for exhaustion and fatigue caused by the summer's heat. Lemon balm has no known interaction to medications and is safe for kids to seniors. Lemon balm herbal tea will refresh you and energize you at the same time.

More oils to mix in a spray bottle with water include: eucalyptus, geranium and chamomile.

A few summer time teas which are healthy include: chrysanthemum, white tea and lemon hibiscus.

Great recipe for Green Banana Tea:

'¢ 1 cup Green Tea
'¢ 1 cup Banana Pineapple Nectar
'¢ Ice cubes
Place one tea bag of Green Tea into an 8 oz. cup. Pour approximately 2 oz. (1/4
cup) boiling water into cup and steep for 4 to 6 minutes. Remove tea bag and fill
cup to top with cold water. Mix with banana pineapple nectar and ice. Makes on 16
oz. serving.

Recipe from forbidden herbs and healing blog.

Sources:

Health Corner

Dashing Health

Squidoo