Stay Easy, Breezy

The summer heat can be intolerable to some and indifferent to others. But for the most part, you would find that majority of people prefer not to be bombarded with summer heat waves. While there’s only so many times you can cool off in the pool, we thought it best to share tips on how to stay cool in the summer, and which foods may help.

Keeping cool during high temperatures is imperative. It’s not only about comfort but also the health risks that are heat-related. Per WebMD, there are a few heat-related illnesses:

  • Heat exhaustion – Develops from loss of large amounts of water and salt in body from excessive sweating. May interfere with brain function, and may be susceptible to people with heart, lung, or kidney problems
  • Heat cramps – also occurs when the body loses excessive amounts of fluids and salts. Can result in spasms of larger muscles throughout the body, which may be induced by people who work and/or exercise in hot environments
  • Heat stroke – The most severe of the three listed. Occurs from long, intense heat exposure to the body. Harshly affects the brain that regulates body temperature, disallowing the body to cool down.

As you notice, these are threats that may gravely affect the body if you are not proactive. However, MedicineNet provided a few ways to keep cool:

  1. Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of the cooler times (early mornings or late evenings)
    • If you can’t change, lessen the intensity and/or the duration
  2. Wear loose fitted clothes, preferably of lighter color
    • Cotton clothing will keep cooler than most synthetics
  3. Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it refrigerated, and use for a quick spray when you’re outdoors
    • Also, keep water bottles in the freezer to take with you outside
  4. Fans can circulate air better even in an air-conditioned house
  5. Drink plenty of water, sports drinks, and other sources of electrolytes
    • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these will promote dehydration
  6. If you don’t have air conditioning arrange to spend parts of your days in areas that are cool
    • e. Shopping malls, public libraries, movie theaters, etc.
  7. Use common sense – if the heat is unyielding, stay indoors and/or avoid direct sunlight and hot asphalt surfaces

Furthermore, staying indoors and carrying portable fans aren’t the only way to stay cool. There are plenty of foods that are not only healthy but very refreshing during hot summer days. GreenLiving shared some fruits and vegetables that help you stay energized and cool for the summer.

  • Fruits
    • Watermelon – A summer favorite, it contains 90% water and has big amounts of vitamins A and C
    • Cantaloupe and Honeydew Melon – Another fruit packed with water, they are low in calories and high in potassium. Also, a great source for losing weight and helping with cardiovascular issues
    • Citrus fruits – These may include oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes – keeps you refreshed and looking younger, due to the nutrients that help with healthy skin.
  • Vegetables
    • Cucumber – Another water fresh food that helps flush toxins out of the body and maintain healthy tissue and skin
    • Radishes – They are a great source of vitamin C and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
    • Leafy greens – These may include spinach, arugula, and herbs like mint, and focusing on the latter, mint has great cooling properties. It can relieve indigestion and inflammation and can be used for a lot of your iced teas
    • *Be mindful, don’t consume any of these foods if you are sensitive/allergic*

As you can see, there are many ways to thwart any inconveniences that come with intense summer heat. Following these tips will surely help and may even encourage you to spend more times outdoors. However, if you have any further questions on combatting the heat, or other foods to consume, be sure to visit your well air-conditioned, R-Health doctor’s office!

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