Ten Tips for Cooling Off in Extreme Heat

We’ve all felt the effects of hot and sticky weather. Warm weather can allow you to pursue fun, outdoor activities, but it can also make you feel miserable when the humidity and temperature climb too high. So, when the weather heats up, we should all take measures to stay cool and remain hydrated.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), when the humidity rises, your sweat doesn’t evaporate as quickly. So, your body can’t release heat as fast as it may need to.

If you’re finding it hard to stay cool, try the following tips to cool off:

1.  Avoid tight-fitting clothes that trap heat and moisture. Instead, wear loose, light-colored clothing (try linen or cotton fabrics)
2. Apply ice packs to your ankles, wrists, etc., to lower your body temperature for a while
3. Take a cool shower. This will help bring your body temperature down
4. Try not to turn on heated and electric appliances. In fact, why not make dinner on the outside grill?
5. Keep windows closed when not home, since heat enters your house through windows. Also, hang shades, curtains, and blinds, to reduce indoor room temperatures by up to 20 degrees
6. Reduce the heat impact by closing shades and curtains in the morning. This also applies whenever the room gets direct sunlight. Then, reopen them in the evening
7. Drink plenty of water and avoid coffee, tea, sports drinks, and soda. Caffeine can raise your body temperature
8. Instead of caffeinated drinks, try decaf peppermint tea. Peppermint relieves tension. This increases circulation which aids in regulating our body temperature
9. The power of the pool. Find a neighbor with a pool or purchase a kiddie pool to cool off in
10. And lastly, eat a popsicle! In fact, cool off with this recipe from the UDSA:

Strawberry Yogurt Pops

Ingredients

• 1 cup low-fat strawberry yogurt
• 6 large strawberries
• 1 ice cube tray (or paper cups)

Directions

1. Cut strawberries into small pieces. 
2. Mix fruit and yogurt.
3. Divide into 4 small paper cups (or 8 ice cubes) and place in popsicle sticks (or cut paper straws).
4. Freeze.
5. Enjoy!

References

CDC: Environmental Health

USDA: My Plate