Beat The Extreme Heat: 5 Tips to Keep Your Cool This Summer

For many, summer means BBQ, outdoor entertainment and beach time. We all look forward to the warmer days to enjoy a bit of sunshine and outdoor activities. But there are days that summer isn’t quite fun and enjoyable. On a 40°+ days, when the extreme summer heat is harsh on our bodies, we need to keep cool to avoid getting heatstroke. This is especially important these days, since some parts of America are experiencing a heatwave.

For the elderly and people with long-term health conditions such as heart or respiratory disease, diabetes and circulatory diseases, it could be a challenging time.

We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you keep cool and stay safe this summer.

Stay hydrated.

Your body is made up of 70% water and drinking enough water is important for your health especially on warmer days. Drink at least 3 liters of water per day to keep hydrated. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water, drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty to avoid dehydration. Reduce consumption of alcoholic, sugary drinks and caffeine as they can make you more dehydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you during the day so you can refill when needed. Refillable water bottle is also a visual reminder for you to drink more water. Another way to keep hydrated is to include foods high in water in your meals on warmer days such as watermelon, honeydew melon, and vegetables such as zucchini, lettuce and celery. Opt for salad, dips, cold-pressed juices and smoothies instead of hot foods.

Stay indoors.

Avoid going outside on hot days. If you must go out to get groceries, do it earlier in the day or in the evening when the temperature is more pleasant. Don’t exercise or do lots of activities outdoors when it’s getting too hot. If you need to go out in the sun, it’s important to apply sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours if you are spending time outdoors. Always check the weather report to keep track of the temperature changes. Plan your week ahead. If you have appointments on 40°+ days, reschedule your appointments if not urgent. If you have to go outside, stand in the shade wherever possible. Avoid crowded places like the tram or train. If you are driving, keep your car cool by parking in a shady area or using windshield sun shade or dash cover. Leave the doors and windows open before getting into your car which will help circulate air flow and prevent you from getting heat stroke when getting into your car.

Keep indoors cool.

Keeping your house cool is one of the most effective ways to keep cool in summer. If you want to stay comfortable at home on hot summer days, keep your blinds down to block out the extreme heat. Make sure your curtains are light-colored as darker colors absorb more heat. You can also shade your windows and walls using external coverings and awnings. Plant some big potted plants around the house or trees to cast shade over your home. The use of air conditioners or fans if you have them are effective to keep your house cool. Close all the doors and windows and seal the gaps around doors and windows to ensure the cool air doesn’t escape from your house and the extreme heat can’t get in.

Have a plan.

Check the weather forecast to see what time of the day will be the hottest and plan your activities wisely. You may want to plan your activities earlier in the day when it’s still cool or later in the evening. Stay inside at noon when the temperature is the highest. Have a plan for who to call if you need support. If you need help getting to a cooler place, ask a friend, family or neighbor. Ask your doctor if you have any specific health conditions that you need to be aware of and how to keep well in the extreme heat.

Dress light.

On warmer days, wear light weight and breathable fabrics to keep your body cool. Fabrics like linen or cotton are less likely to trap heat and block air flow which are ideal for warmer days. Avoid heavier fabrics and synthetic materials like polyester and nylon. Opt for clothes that are loose and avoid slim-fitting clothes as they don’t allow air flow as much as loose clothing. Avoid wearing dark colored clothes as they are more likely to absorb the heat.

High temperatures kill hundreds of people every year. Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States.

Take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated, and keep informed. For more health-related tips, be sure to check out our blog regularly!