Friday, June 18, 2010

How Are You Gonna Beat The Heat This Summer?

Every year when summer rears its hot head into Florida, I try to think of different ways I stay cool - well, as cool as possible to say the least!

Let's face it, living in Florida, we're faced with blazing temperatures...the thick and muggy humidity is just the cherry on top. Now, I'm not gonna lie, I could never live anywhere else in the U.S. - but come August, I'm about ready to move up north!

So, for your viewing pleasure, here are just a few creative ways myself and friends have thought of or done over the years to beat the heat. Now, these are purely suggestions and should be implemented at your own discretion.

WATER! WATER! WATER!
Just stay hydrated! Period! That is one of the most important things you can do in hot weather. The less hydrated you are, the weaker you are and that's just not a good combination on a hot July day!

Avoid being outside for extended periods of time
Now, I know for some people it's just not possible. Whether you work outdoors or what, if you can at least get into a car and crank the AC or go into a restaurant at lunch, this will give you a little break from the crazy heat during the day!

Your home gets hot too!
I know this can be difficult to remember when you're rushing out the door for work, but closing all your blinds can help keep your house cooler. Sure, you could run your AC all day, but that's going to be a hefty bill at the end of the month! Just turn the temp up a couple of degrees and close off your home. This is a sure way to keep your home cool in the summer!

Spicy foods = cool down?
Now, this one I'm not so sure about, but I'm posting for my friend anyways! My friend, who is Mexican, claims that they beat the heat but eating plenty of spicy foods. He claims that when you eat spicy foods, you sweat, and when you sweat (perspire) that is your body's natural function to cool itself off. I guess I'm too much of a wuss to try that one!

Sunscreen
Ok, ok, ok. So I know sunscreen doesn't keep you cool but come on, if you live in Florida you know that SPF 50 is a must!

Swimming pools, slip'n'slides, water parks and beach trips
All are a blast and a great way to cool off when you're hot but what a lot of people don't know is that you still sweat when you're in the water if it's hot enough. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

Leave the tight clothing at home
Dress in loose clothing helps the body breathe a little better - plus it's just more comfortable when you're sweating!

Maintain your AC system
Have a professional thoroughly inspect your home's AC system to make sure you won't have any unforeseen emergencies that could potentially harm you, your family or your pets!

And be sure you never leave pets, kids, the elderly OR ANYONE in closed up cars - there are so many deaths every year attributed to negligence.

However you stay cool or beat the heat in the summer - just make sure you stay safe and check on those around you to make sure they are ok too. Look for warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and take the necessary steps to avoid it!

Have a great summer everyone! Looking forward to hearing about your adventures!