Stay Cool This Summer

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We're experiencing an insufferable heatwave here on the East Coast. It's the kind of heat that makes you sweat when you breathe even while standing in front of the freezer. These tips can help you keep cool while the mercury is rising:

• Work out in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. If you can't change the time of your workout, make it shorter or do something less strenuous.
• Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing made from natural materials.
• Fill a spray bottle with water or hydrosol and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick pick me up after being outdoors.
• Run fans to circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
• Store lotions or body splashes in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
• Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.
• Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.
• Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes like Coconut Water. We're partial to R.W. Knudsen's line of Sparkling Essences (naturally flavored sparkling water).
• Place damp washcloths in a ziploc baggie and refrigerate or freeze overnight. Take with you to refresh your face and neck throughout the day. I take a frozen washcloth to the trail with me so I have something cool to wipe my face with after I run.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
• Eat lighter summer foods including frequent small meals or snacks like cold fruit, cold pasta salads, or crudites. Added benefit, you won't have to turn on the stove.
• If you don't have air-conditioning, arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a public space that is cool (libraries, malls, movie theaters, etc.). Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.

What tips do you have to help stay cool?

Allison B. Kontur

www.BathBodySupply.com