Keeping Cool!

As we head into the hottest part of summer, it becomes more crucial - and more challenging - to stay cool. But it's not impossible - we have some suggestions on ways to keep from getting overheated:

1. Drink lots of water! We can't emphasize this enough. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages - they can actually dehydrate you.
2. Stuck in a room with no air conditioning? Try a desktop air conditioner. We happened on one of these at our local drugstore and fell in love with it! It's low-tech (it gets its cooling from a frozen water bottle) and it's cheap enough to buy two. They're really handy for staying cool in small, hot spaces - better than just a fan.
3. Go running through the sprinklers. It doesn't matter how old you are - loosen up and have some fun. If it makes you feel better, borrow a couple of kids (if you don't have any of your own) and do it with them.
4. So you wimped out on the sprinklers - take a cool shower instead. Multiple showers on hot days are always nice (and they keep you fresh!).
5. Wear as little as possible. The clothes you do wear should be lightweight and light colored. If you're going out of doors, put sunscreen on all exposed areas - remember to put some on your feet, the back of your neck and other places that are often forgotten.
6. Eat salads. Seriously - in the heat, chilled greens are better than protein.
7. If you have chores that require heat (cooking, washing clothes), do them first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
8. Try exercising at dawn - it's the coolest time of the day. Avoid overexerting yourself during peak afternoon hours.
9. Pull the drapes closed - cover up that hot, afternoon sun!
10. If you have the air conditioner running, remember to close the doors and windows. This saves you money along with keeping you cooler.

Hopefully, your suffering consists mainly of an overload of sweat and no more. But remember, heat exhaustion and heatstroke are very serious conditions. Be prepared in case you or someone you know is suffering from either condition!