You know it’s summer in Texas when you get a first-degree burn from the leather interior of your car, or your electric bill has reached an all-time high while the thermostat is at an all-time low.
Regardless of whether you love or hate hot weather, a severe heat advisory is no joke. As temperatures rise, so should our efforts to prevent overheating. Here are five ways to keep your cool this summer.
Limit Outdoor Exposure
It goes without saying, but it’s critical to stay in an air-conditioned environment during peak hours as much as possible. If you workout, do so indoors or during a time when temperatures are not considered dangerous, like early in the mornings from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you do go outside, avoid direct exposure to the sunlight, especially since temperatures are consistently over 100 degrees
Wear Sunscreen And Lightweight Clothing
Be sure to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours. At minimum, SPF 30 shields you from 97% of the sun’s UV rays, yet SPF 50 to 100 will provide ultra coverage that is needed during hotter hours of the day.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing is arguably more effective than sunscreen. Tightly woven fabrics protect the skin from harmful rays while maintaining a lightweight, breathable feel for better temperature regulation. Plus UPF clothing is waterproof, waste-free, has a higher UV shielding rate and does not need to be reapplied.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you spend more time indoors. To maintain good health, men should consume 124 fluid ounces of water daily, while women should consume 92 fluid ounces. However, you should increase your intake if you are frequently outside or physically active. The more humid it is, the more water you should drink to counteract dehydration.
Refrain From Foods And Drinks That Can Dehydrate You
Diuretics such as coffee, green tea and alcohol can decrease the liquid content in your body, leaving you at risk for dehydration. High-sodium and protein-rich foods can also cause dehydration since more water is needed to break them down, so be mindful of what you’re consuming while the temperature is turnt up.
Stay Informed & Stay Safe
Most importantly, seeking health, safety and weather updates in local and national news enables informed decision-making. Check on friends, family and neighbors, especially if they have children or are 65 and older. Lastly, report any sighting of children or pets inside parked vehicles to make sure everyone is staying summer safe.