Tips for Staying Cool This Summer from the CHD
By Garrett Christensen on Wednesday, July 5th, 2023 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
OREGON – (Information from the Center for Human Development) While parts of Eastern Oregon have enjoyed a relatively temperate summer so far, things are going to get hot after this July. To help mitigate heat related illnesses, and the simple discomfort that comes with summer heat, the Cener for Human Development have tips:
“1. HYDRATE! One of the best ways to protect yourself from the heat is to stay well hydrated. Drinking water is best. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or lots of sugar. Keep in mind that you may need to drink more than usual.
2. Eat lightly. Skip heavy meals or foods with a lot of fat that can tax your digestive system and make you feel sluggish. Opt for fresh foods with a high water content, such as fruits and veg. Salads and smoothies are great options!
3. Make a cold compress. Wet a cloth with cold water or fill a bag with ice to place on your forehead, back of your neck or wrists for quick cooling comfort. Remember to place a towel between ice and your skin.
4. Spray yourself with water. Spritzing yourself with cool water can keep you comfortable. As the water evaporates from skin, it cools you.
5. Wear light-colored loose clothing. Lighter colors and synthetic fabrics (or loose-fitting cotton) allow sweat on your skin to evaporate quickly.
6. Eat something spicy. You may think that spicy foods would heat you up, but it actually has the opposite effect. The capsaicin in hot chili peppers, for example, causes you to sweat more easily. As sweat evaporates, it helps to cool you down.
7. Create your own AC. If you don’t have an air conditioner, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan to cool the air that blows through the room.
8. Change your exercise routine. You don’t need to stop exercising when it’s hot, but you may need to modify what you do: work out during the coolest part of the day, opt for an indoor workout or switch to activities that don’t cause you to overheat.9. Pay attention to signs of heat-related illness. Anyone can feel sick from the heat, but people with heart disease, young children and the elderly are all more at risk because their bodies don’t adapt to the heat as easily. Problems with your cardiovascular system, as well as some medications, may make it harder for your body to cool down when it’s hot. Signs of heat-related illness include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, heavy sweating, flushed skin, rapid heartbeat and thirst.
