Ways to Keep Cool This Summer

When temperatures reach record highs during the summer, keeping cool is not our only concern, but our health and safety are very important factors to keep in mind as well. I have compiled a few tips to assist you in beating the heat this season. We can become victims of several health concerns in high temperatures like dehydration, heat stroke and sunburns to name a few. The most important thing to remember is to drink plenty of fluids. Water or sports drinks that are packed with electrolytes are your best source of fluids. You should avoid caffeine and alcohol as they promote dehydration. Keep a few bottles of water in the freezer.

When you head outside, grab a bottle to take with you. This will provide you with a cool, fresh source of water on hand. Keep a spray bottle of water and mist your skin with it. When it's hot, we tend to feel exhausted and sluggish, misting your skin with cool water will help you feel re-energized in the heat. Avoid rigorous exercise during peak hours, instead exercise in the early morning or late evening when the temperature is cooler. If you are unable to change your workout time, scale it down by decreasing the minutes, or decrease your level of exertion. Wearing light flowing clothing of light color will keep you feeling cooler. Wearing tight fitting, clinging clothing may irritate your skin especially if it's damp due to sweating, not to mention it only makes you hotter. Wearing cotton clothing is cooler than other synthetic fibers and absorbs moisture better.

Using fans, even in an air conditioned home will keep the air circulated therefore keeping you cooler. Ceiling fans work best and use less energy than traditional floor fans. If you don't have air conditioning, consider going out for the day to a mall, movie theater, or even to a local beach or swimming pool. Remember to always wear your sunscreen to prevent sunburn while at the beach or pool. If you have a finished basement, consider spending more time there, as basements tend to be much cooler. Avoid cooking hot meals in your oven or stovetop. Instead consider making a chef salad served with cool fruits or yogurt, or something like a chicken salad sandwich. If you must cook, try making your meals in your microwave or slow cooker instead as this will not throw off the heat your stove or oven will.

If the heat is intolerable, use common sense and stay indoors. Keeping your shades down will help keep some heat from the sunlight out of your home resulting in a cooler indoor temperature. Keep your windows open on all sides of the house to keep the air circulating throughout the home. Consider keeping lotions and moisturizers in the refrigerator. Take frequent showers or baths with tepid water. Try not drying off, instead use your refrigerated lotions and moisturizers after getting out of the shower. This will help lock some moisture into your dry skin, not to mention keep you feeling refreshed.
Now that we have covered a few tips to keeping cool this summer, I cannot forget to mention the safety and comfort of our families pets. Never leave your pet tied up outdoors without proper shading. If you must leave your pet outside, be sure he has shelter to escape from the sweltering sun.

Also, short haired pets, especailly those with short, light hair and pink skin are suseptible to sunburn, limit their exposure. Make sure your pet has a sufficient supply of fresh water. If they are outdoors, change his water frequently with a cool supply. Adding ice cubes to their water will give him a refreshing change. Some pets love the water, give him a shallow child's pool to lay in and cool off. Avoid hot pavement with your pet, their sensetive paws can burn easily. Often when I go to do my shopping, I will see a pet inside a hot car, I cannot express this enough, never, never leave a pet in a hot car. Even if you leave the window cracked in the shade, the inside.

Watch for signs of heat stroke in your pet. Rapid panting, a dazed look and muscle twitiching are signs. If you see signs of heat stroke in your pet, wrap him in cool soaked towels and seek attention from your vet as soon as possible, as it could be fatal in pets. Be sure to have a cool spot for indoor pets. Having a child safe fan near his area circulating will help him keep cool. Get him a hair cut! Shaving your pet will help keep him much cooler in the heat, but always remember, if you decide to shave his coat, this will expose his skin to the sun, so keep him protected from prolonged exposure.

Summer is one of the best times of the year. Most of us look forward to getting outdoors and soaking up the sun, not to mention all of the fun filled activities that go along with the summer months. Following these few tips, we should be able to beat the heat and enjoy ourselves this summer! I am looking forward to cookouts, amusement parks, and fairs! My fondest memories that come to mind for me are of my childhood summer days, fishing, swimming, fireworks and county fairs. This is my favorite time of the year and I don't intend to let the heat get the best of me, so I hope to help someone else have an enjoyable fun filled summer with these few tips. Get out this year and enjoy yourself! I wish you all a fun filled and safe summer in 2007 with many fond memories you will always treasure!