Canada is well-known for wintery weather, but Canadians know how to take advantage of the 6 minutes of summer we get each year. It can be full of fun but if you’re not careful, too much of the summer heat can turn into a health risk.
To keep from getting dehydrated or suffering heatstroke, there are a number of things you can do so you can stay cool in the summer.
1. Turn Up the Air Conditioning
Whether you have a window air conditioning unit to keep one room cool or a central system for your entire house, it’s easy to beat the heat with a blast of cold air at home. Red Deer air conditioning units are quite affordable and are easily installed by a professional.
2. Dress for the Weather
If you do have to go out in the sweltering heat, wear loose-fitting, light-weight materials that are breathable. So try linens or cotton and leave the synthetics in the closet.
3. Hydrate
Drinking plenty of plain old water will not only lower your body temperature, but it will also keep you feeling healthy. This is water we are talking about, not sugary drinks and definitely not alcohol, which can have the exact opposite effect from what you’re trying to achieve.
4. Avoid the Hottest Times of the Day
Later morning to late afternoon can get unbearably hot, so plan your outdoor activities during the cooler times of the day. That could be early morning before the sun takes over, or you could try the evening just before sundown. Sometimes it’s not possible to reschedule around those times, so if you do get caught in the heat, take frequent breaks in the shade or air-conditioned areas if you can.
5. Water is Not Just for Drinking
Have fun with water by taking a swim, going to a water-slide park, running through a sprinkler, or have a huge water fight with your family. You’ll stay cool and you’ll have a great time. Just make sure to wear your waterproof sunscreen.
6. Change Your Summer Eating Habits
By eating smaller meals and choosing the right snacks, like salads, fruits, and vegetables, you can lower your body’s core temperature quite dramatically. Even spicy foods, as counter-intuitive as it may sound, can help to keep you cool in the heat.
7. Take the Shade with You
Shade is not always easy to find but you can take it with you in the form of an umbrella. You would be amazed at how much cooler you can be simply by holding an umbrella to stay out of the sun.
8. Plan for Indoor Breaks
When taking in the summer sun, sometimes you need a break, so try to find shelter in a nearby store, shopping mall, or community centre.
Staying cool in the summer can be easy and fun. Make sure you stay safe in all that heat by trying some of these little cooling tricks so you can be comfortable all summer long.
