It’s summertime and the heat is here. Summer means long days outside hanging out with friends and family. With the kids out of school, pool days, adventure park days, and sports days are in full swing! The warm air is great for outdoor activities, but it can also cause a lot of health problems if you aren’t careful. We have collected several tips for you and your family to stay cool this summer.
- Find a pool: Visiting the pool is a great way to cool off, just remember to reapply sunscreen every hour to prevent sunburn.
- Stay hydrated: Hydration is important year round, but during the summer it is more important because your body is losing more water through sweating. Keep a water bottle nearby for all outdoor activities.
- Frozen treats: Frozen treats like grapes, bananas, lemonade, and ice cream, are a great way to cool down your body and taste great!
- Shade/umbrella: If possible while you are outside in the sun, find shady spots or bring an umbrella to create a way for you to get out of the direct sunlight. The shady area can also help prevent sunburn.
- Time of day: If you are planning physical activity outside, try to go early in the morning or in the evening after the sun has gone down. Generally, the temperature and humidity are lower at these times and lower your risk of heat-related illness.
- Cooling towels: There are several brands of microfiber towels that you soak in water and put in the fridge. When you are ready to go you bring them with you in your cooler and can pull them out and put them on your neck or wrist to help cool your body down.
- Spray Bottle: Filling a spray bottle with water and putting in the fridge can be a great way to give yourself a cool spritz when you are hot.
- Bring a fan: When possible bring a plug-in or battery powered fan to keep the air circulating. The circulation can make a big difference when sitting out in stagnant heat.
- Wear light-weight clothing: Wearing light-weight clothing like tank tops or Dri-Fit clothing designed for heat, can make a huge impact in cooling your body as you sweat.
Wherever you’re going this summer, pack a cooler. You can fill your cooler with water bottles, spray bottles with cold water, cooling towels, and frozen treats. When hanging out in the sun with friends and family, always pay attention to signs from your body. When you start to feel fatigued or sick (headache, stomach ache, etc), it is time to go inside out of the sun, get air conditioning and drink water. A big issue in the summer is dehydration, so be sure to drink a lot of water, especially if you're going to be out in the sun. Enjoy the summer and stay cool!
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