The southern region of the U.S. is synonymous with warm, pleasant weather most of the year, but the heat can be oppressive in the summer and between the hours of 12 noon and 4 p.m. The ambient temperatures can feel even worse with high levels of humidity or when the air is really dry. Long-time natives know a few strategies to stay cool and keep their cool when the temperatures border on unbearable levels.
Keep Your Body Cool 101
Stay hydrated whether you are indoors or outdoors. Drink plenty of water to rehydrate as you perspire to keep your body functioning at optimum levels. It is also important to consider the choice of beverages. Water is always the first choice because it is calorie-free, sugar-free and sodium free, so it is safe all around regardless of your pre-existing conditions. When it comes to hydration, remember the 8 X 8 rule, which refers to eight glasses of liquids in eight-ounce containers for an approximate minimum daily intake of a total of 64 ounces or two liters. For people engaged in intensive activities especially outdoors, the liquid intake should exceed two liters. Keep a reusable bottle handy, and refill as necessary when you are out and about.
It is also important to wear clothing made of breathable and absorbent fabric. Tight outfits can feel restrictive and very uncomfortable in the heat. It is not a surprise that one of the first steps to helping someone suffering from heat exhaustion is to loosen their outfit and to bring the body temperature down with cool compresses applied directly to the skin.
Know when to Play and when to Stay
Schedule your outdoor activities early in the morning or in the early evening. Outdoor exercise, gardening and any type of outdoor activity are best enjoyed with cool breezes blowing. Have an early start to a beach day, and arrive early to pick the best spot to stake your beach umbrella or tent. Pack it up by noon for some indoor time especially when young children are involved because their skin is more sensitive and tend to burn more easily even with the application of the appropriate sunscreen lotion.
Find the Water
Swimming holes, swimming pools, public beaches, and water parks are in great demand during the summer months because this is an easy and fun way to keep the entire family cool. For this reason, Florida has one of the highest backyard pool ownership rates in the nation, estimated to be at least 1.1 million units according to a study conducted by the Department of Health. Newer housing developments may offer clubhouses with swim amenities, but many homeowners prefer to have their own backyard pool for privacy, convenience, and hygiene. Pool ownership is an affordable alternative to pricey club memberships. You owe it to your family to check out inground pool pricing before signing up for club memberships that provide access to a public pool.
Seek Air Conditioned Spaces
Air conditioning is a basic element in every home. Electric fans are typically used to improve air circulation to ensure even temperatures indoors. When the temperatures exceed 90 degrees, as it often does in the summer, head to the mall, the aquarium, indoor children's playgrounds, and other commercial venues to spend a few hours. This should help ease cabin fever, which is one of the after effects of staying indoors to avoid extreme temperature or weather conditions. Most areas offer many shady parks and lush gardens that everyone can explore. In the hot summer months, these places are equipped with misting devices in shady spots to help guests cool off. Take advantage of these misting corners if you are ever out in these places on a hot day.
When all else fails, and the heat is still getting to you, take a cool shower to lower your body temperature quickly and efficiently. Some homeowners have installed outdoor showers in their gardens and patios for that quick cool-off on a sweltering day. Most importantly, pay attention to your body's signals, and act quickly when you notice the symptoms of heat-related discomfort and heat exhaustion.
