by
Family, Life

10 Ways to keep cool in the summer heat

10 Ways to keep cool in the summer heat
by
Family, Life

As Arizonans, we have learned to take advantage of, and appreciate the warm summer months. But, on those scorching hot summer days, too much fun in the sun can lead to heat-related health risks like heat stroke.

So, how can you and the family can keep cool outdoors? We’ve made a list of 10 ways to keep cool in the summer heat:

  1. Choose loose, light-weight, and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton over synthetics.
  2. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Tip: try freezing a bottle of water that can thaw into the perfect ice-cold beverage.
  3. Plan outdoor exercise for cooler times of the day like early morning or late evening. If that’s not possible consider scaling down the length or intensity of your outdoor exercise.
  4. If staying at home, play with water. Run through the sprinkler, purchase a water pool, or have a water balloon fight. These will sure bring back the kid in you.
  5. Keep your core temperature down by eating smaller meals and choosing cooling foods like cucumbers, salads, vegetables, and fruits. Love spicy foods? You might be surprised to learn that spicy foods can also help cool your body down.
  6. Embrace the shade! Do simple activities under a tree such as having a picnic. And sometimes when the breeze is just right, it’ll remind you of springtime.
  7. Take advantage of opportunities to keep cool in the community like public pools, splash pads and our many artificial lakes. Even better for the whole family, a half day trip floating down the Salt River is a must do. But don’t forget the sunscreen.
  8. Umbrellas are great for more than just rain. Consider using one the next time you go for a summer stroll. It’ll help protect you from the heat and the sun’s UV rays.
  9. Avoid drinking sugary or caffeinated beverages.
  10. Plan breaks from the heat. If it gets too hot out, plan a road trip to the beaches of California or Mexico. Another great destination is the many high-country cities just a few hours away from Phoenix. They aren’t just frequented during the winter.

Enjoy summer and stay well!