How To Stay Cool This Summer

There are plenty of things to look forward to in the summer, including picnics, camping, beach trips, and water fights. Although it may be fun to enjoy these activities in the summer sun, it can also be quite dangerous. Temperatures in the summer can range between 85 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in North America. Temperatures that high are associated with health risks such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, as well as heat rash. Fortunately, there is a myriad of ways to stay cool this summer, and each one should lower an individual's risk of experiencing the ill effects of summer's heat.

Go For A Swim

There are plenty of ways to have fun in the summer, but it’s just as important to stay healthy and safe. Excessive sweating and sunburn are commonly experienced in the summer, but they’re far from fun. Fortunately, individuals can avoid these and keep cool by going for a swim. The beach is an excellent place to go for a swim, though not everyone has easy access to a beach. There are still a few alternatives, however, for those with limited access. Lakes, rivers, and public pools also serve as great places to take a dip. All it takes is a quick search to see what is closer.

Drink Lots Of Water

Hydration is a crucial part of any day, though it’s even more so important during the summer, as higher temperatures can easily cause dehydration or heat exhaustion. Perspiration, urea, and breathing are the three primary ways in which water is lost from the body. Due to these physiological processes, water has to be continuously replaced for cells to function normally. Considering this, it’s best to drink lots of water during the summer. The most commonly stated requirement is eight cups of water a day. However, an average requirement like this one is based on temperate climates and sedentary lifestyles. Individual needs depend on multiple factors such as physical activity, temperature, and overall health. A rule of thumb is to drink enough water to void clear urine.

Wear Loose Clothing

Although wearing loose clothing often isn’t exactly fashion-forward in today’s modern society, doing so can have numerous benefits, especially during the summer. Not only is loose clothing less restricting and therefore more comfortable, but it can also help keep the body cool. Loose clothing like shorts, skirts, dresses, and short-sleeved shirts leave more skin exposed to air, which is what allows sweat to evaporate. It’s the evaporation of sweat that transfers heat away from the skin. With this in mind, it’s best to wear loose clothing during the summer in order to stay cool. Also, it’s best to avoid darker garments as they absorb more heat.

Spend Time In The Shade

Although direct sunlight can be beneficial for vitamin D production, spending too much time in direct sunlight can be harmful to an individual's health, putting them at risk for heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn. The risks are even higher in the summer. Besides, ultraviolet radiation levels are also a lot higher in the summer. Ultraviolet light is short-wave radiation that ranges between 100 to 400nm. Although it cannot be seen with the naked eye, its energy levels are a lot higher than visible light. Increased exposure to ultraviolet light is often associated with sunburn. An excellent way to stay safe and cool down is to spend time in the shade. Limiting direct sun exposure in this manner gives individuals a chance to relax and hydrate. It should also be noted sweat evaporation still occurs in the shade, thereby further reducing internal body temperatures.

Set Up Some Fans

The main purpose of a fan is to circulate air in the home, which creates a breeze that works to keep occupants cool. As fan blades rotate, the incoming air is expelled through the front plates of the fan. When this happens, air passes along the skin, which is where heat transfer occurs. A majority of the body’s heat is lost through sweat evaporation and heat transfer via blood vessels near the surface of the skin. By passing more air over the skin, individuals can effectively keep themselves cooler than normal. An excellent way to use this to one's benefit this summer is to set up some fans in a way that creates a cross breeze. This will allow air to circulate in all directions to remove the maximum amount of heat from the body.