When the summer sun is blazing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the heat. But with the right tips and tricks for summer safety, you can stay cool, comfortable, and healthy all season long. Here’s how to beat the heat and enjoy a safe, refreshing summer.
Choose the Right Outfit
What you wear can make a big difference in how you feel during the hottest days of summer. Choose loose clothing that allows air to circulate over your skin. This helps evaporate sweat, which naturally cools your body. Light-colored clothes are also a smart choice as they reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s heat.
Breathable fabrics like cotton and nylon are ideal for summer. They allow your skin to breathe and prevent you from feeling sticky and hot. Avoid heavy fabrics like wool, polyester, and silk, which can trap heat and make you sweat more.
Don’t forget about sunscreen and lip balm – these are essential items for summer. Choose products with at least SPF 30 to protect your skin and lips from harmful UV rays, reducing your risk of skin and oral cancers.
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential when temperatures rise. Keep a reusable water bottle with you always and sip water regularly to maintain your body’s normal temperature. Hydration does more than just cool you down; it also keeps your mouth cleaner, improves cognition, boosts your mood, and enhances sleep quality.
Avoid dehydrating beverages like coffee, alcohol, energy drinks, tea, and caffeinated soda. These can actually make you feel hotter and lead to dehydration.
Use Ice Packs or Cold Rags
Applying cold compresses to your wrists and neck can help you cool down quickly. These areas are known as “pulse points,” where blood vessels are close to the skin. Cooling these spots helps reduce your body temperature faster.
Cool Down with Cold Treats
When you’re craving something cold, reach for treats that are lower in sugar. High-sugar options like ice cream can spike your metabolism and make you feel hotter, besides being harmful to your teeth and overall health.
Instead, try low-sugar Greek yogurt, which provides muscle-building protein and tooth-strengthening calcium. Smoothies made with berries can also be a great choice. Berries are rich in vitamin C, which supports gum health. For an extra boost, blend in vegetables like spinach for added calcium.
Avoid the Sun During Peak Hours
The sun’s heat and UV rays are strongest between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To avoid overheating, plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, and stay indoors during these peak hours.
To keep your home cool, consider using a slow cooker instead of your oven, which can generate a lot of heat. Close your curtains and blinds to block out direct sunlight. If you have a basement, spend time there, as the air is naturally cooler.
Relax and Manage Stress
Staying cool isn’t just about physical comfort; it’s also essential for mental well-being. Engaging in relaxing activities indoors can help manage stress, which in turn can prevent headaches, lower your risk for heart disease, and even improve your oral health by reducing stress-related teeth grinding.
Try reading a book, meditating, crafting, cooking, or doing a crossword puzzle. These activities can help you stay calm and collected, making your summer more enjoyable.
Keep Your Cool and Enjoy Summer Safely
Summer doesn’t have to be a time of discomfort and health risks. By choosing the right clothes, staying hydrated, using cold compresses, enjoying low-sugar cold treats, staying indoors during peak sun hours, and managing stress, you can keep your cool and stay healthy all season long. Follow these summer safety tips, and enjoy a safe, cool, and refreshing summer.
Sources:
“Beat the Heat: Your Guide to Staying Fit Through Summer Heat Waves,” Philadelphia Magazine, https://www.phillymag.com/sponsor-content/beat-heat-guide-staying-fit-summer-heatwaves/
“Staying cool in summer: Top tips to keep cool in hot weather,” British Red Cross, https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/first-aid/beat-the-hot-weather-top-tips-for-staying-cool
“Beating the Heatwave: The CEP Guide to Staying Cool and Safe,” Community Energy Project, https://www.communityenergyproject.org/beating-the-heat-the-cep-guide-to-staying-cool-and-safe/
“Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure,” U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/radtown/ultraviolet-uv-radiation-and-sun-exposure
