How to COOL DOWN in the summer HEAT WAVE
How to Cool Down in the Summer Heat Wave
Who doesn't love the summer? The warmth of the sun, the feeling of grass or sand on bare feet, and the nice summer breeze all contribute to a delightful season. However, spending too much time under the scorching sun can leave you feeling hot, sweaty, and sticky, which can have negative health effects. But don't worry, because Summer 2018 isn't over yet! Read on to discover how you can stay cool and feel your best even in the summer heat.
Health Effects of UV Light
While the sun provides us with warmth and helps us synthesize Vitamin D, excessive exposure to UV light can be harmful. UV rays can penetrate our skin and cause damage to skin cells. Some of these rays are absorbed by the top layer of our skin, while others penetrate deeper. Prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Sunburn:
Sunburn occurs when your skin becomes red, painful, and hot to the touch due to overexposure to UV rays. It can cause itching, skin peeling, blisters, headaches, fever, and nausea. To prevent sunburn, it is important to wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and limit your time in the sun. Sunburn can be treated with rest, hydration, and aloe vera gel, but the best remedy is to avoid the sun altogether.
Skin Cancer:
UV light is a carcinogen that can alter the instructions of skin cells, leading to the abnormal growth of cells and the development of skin cancer. The two types of skin cancer that commonly occur due to sun exposure are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is essential in preventing skin cancer. Treatment for skin cancer varies and can include freezing, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
While sunscreen is effective in protecting your skin from UV light, there are other effects of the sun and heat that you should be aware of.
Health Effects of Heat and Sun Exposure
When you are outside in high temperatures, you will sweat as your body tries to cool itself down. Sweating can lead to dehydration and the loss of important substances like sodium and electrolytes. Spending too much time in the sun and heat can put you at risk for dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Dehydration:
Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids, especially water, than it can replace. Common signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, dark-colored urine, and confusion. The best way to prevent dehydration is to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of refreshing cold water.
Heat Exhaustion:
Heat exhaustion is a condition that results from overexposure to high temperatures. It is often accompanied by dehydration and can cause symptoms such as heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. To avoid heat exhaustion, it is important to limit your time in high temperatures and take breaks in shaded or cooler areas.
Heat Stroke:
Heat stroke is a severe condition that can occur after heat exhaustion. It requires immediate medical attention and can be identified by symptoms such as high body temperature, rapid breathing, nausea/vomiting, headache, and flushed skin. Prevention is key in avoiding heat stroke, so make sure to take necessary precautions.
How to Cool Down
- Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin from UV rays and prevent sunburn and skin cancer.
- Wear protective clothing: Choose hats or clothes with sun protection to shield your skin from harmful UV light.
- Aloe vera gel: Use aloe vera gel as a moisturizer and for sunburn relief. Its cooling properties provide instant relief and continued moisture for your skin.
- After Sun Lotion: Consider using an after sun lotion, such as "Banana Boat Moisturizing Aloe After Sun Lotion," to replenish your skin with nutrients and moisturize dry or chapped skin.
- Hydrate with cold water: Keep yourself hydrated with refreshing cold water. Choose water bottles like Hydro Flask or HydraTrak that can keep your water cold for extended periods of time.
- Set reminders: Use your phone to set reminders to reapply sunscreen, drink water, and take breaks from the sun.
- NoMo Nausea Band and NoMo Migraine Band: Be prepared for nausea, vomiting, and headaches by using NoMo Nausea Bands and NoMo Migraine Bands. These silicone wristbands combine acupressure and aromatherapy to provide instant relief.
Make the most out of your time in the sun by following these tips to stay cool and healthy. Remember to protect your skin, stay hydrated, and be prepared for any discomfort that may arise. So, don't forget your essentials – sunscreen, hat, water bottle, and NoMo bands – on your next outdoor adventure!
Additional Tips for Cooling Down in the Summer Heat Wave
Creative Ways to Stay Cool
Aside from the basic recommendations, there are some creative and unconventional methods to help you cool down during a heat wave. These techniques may not be as well-known as using sunscreen or staying hydrated, but they can still offer relief from the sweltering heat.
1. Stay in the shade: Find shady spots outdoors or create your own shade by using umbrellas, canopies, or even large beach towels stretched between trees. This way, you can still enjoy the outdoors without exposing yourself to direct sunlight.
2. Use a cooling towel: Cooling towels are specialized towels that contain cooling properties. You simply wet the towel, wring out the excess water, and then place it on your skin. The evaporation of the water creates a cooling effect, making you feel more comfortable in hot temperatures.
3. Eat cooling foods: Certain foods can help lower your body temperature from the inside out. These include watermelon, cucumber, citrus fruits, mint, and yogurt. Incorporating these cooling foods into your diet can help you stay refreshed and hydrated.
4. Take a cool shower or bath: A quick cool shower or bath can provide instant relief from the heat. The water helps to lower your core body temperature and leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Home Cooling Tips
When the heat wave hits, it's not only important to stay cool outdoors but also to create a comfortable living space indoors. Here are some helpful home cooling tips to beat the heat:
1. Use fans strategically: Position fans in windows or doorways to create a cross breeze in your home. You can also place a bowl of ice in front of a fan to circulate cool air throughout the room.
2. Close curtains and blinds: Keep the heat out by closing curtains and blinds during the hottest parts of the day. This helps prevent the sun from directly heating up your living space.
3. Optimize your air conditioning: Make sure your air conditioning unit is working properly and set it to the most comfortable temperature for you. Use programmable thermostats to automatically adjust the temperature based on your schedule.
4. Use blackout curtains: In addition to regular curtains or blinds, invest in blackout curtains to block out sunlight completely. These curtains are made with special lining that reflects heat and keeps your home cool.
5. Create a DIY air conditioner: If you don't have access to an air conditioner, you can create a DIY version using household items. Fill a shallow pan with ice or cold water, and position it in front of a fan. As the fan blows air over the cold water, it creates a cooling mist.
Summer Fashion Tips
Another important aspect of staying cool in the summer heat wave is choosing the right clothing. The clothes you wear can make a significant difference in how comfortable you feel in hot temperatures.
1. Opt for light and breathable fabrics: Choose lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, or chambray. These materials allow air to flow through, keeping you cool and preventing excessive sweating.
2. Wear loose-fitting clothing: Tight clothes trap heat against your body, making you feel hotter. Opt for loose-fitting garments that allow air to circulate and keep your body temperature down.
3. Choose light colors: Dark colors absorb more heat from the sun, while lighter colors reflect it. Therefore, wearing light-colored clothing can help keep you cooler under the scorching sun.
4. Use accessories wisely: Hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas can provide additional protection from the sun's rays. Opt for wide-brimmed hats to shield your face and neck, and wear sunglasses with UV protection to keep your eyes safe.
Activities to Stay Cool
Staying cool in the summer heat doesn't mean you have to hide indoors all day. There are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy while keeping cool and comfortable.
1. Visit water parks or swimming pools: Water parks and swimming pools are great places to cool off and have fun during a heat wave. Whether you're zooming down water slides or simply lounging by the pool, the water will provide instant relief from the heat.
2. Go to the beach: The beach offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Take a dip in the ocean, play beach volleyball, or just relax under an umbrella with a good book.
3. Plan indoor activities: If you prefer to stay indoors, plan activities at air-conditioned venues such as museums, movie theaters, or shopping malls. This way, you can enjoy yourself while staying cool.
4. Try water sports: Engaging in water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing can keep you cool while providing a fun and active experience.
Conclusion
As the summer heat wave continues, it's important to prioritize our health and comfort. By following the tips and techniques mentioned above, you can stay cool, protect your skin, and avoid the negative effects of the sun and heat.
Remember to wear sunscreen, stay hydrated with cold water, and take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Incorporate creative cooling methods, optimize your home environment, and choose appropriate clothing to maximize your comfort.
With these strategies in mind, you can confidently face the summer heat wave and enjoy all the activities this season has to offer. So, stay cool, stay healthy, and make the most of your summer!
