Tips on How to Stay Cool in a Summer Heat Wave

According to recent reports, 22 states in the United States have heat advisories and/or excessive heat warnings. Although cooler temperatures are expected to bring relief soon, the National Weather Service says that "most of the mid-Atlantic remains under a Heat Advisory as the heat wave is expected to last until at least Friday. The heat index could reach 100 degrees on Thursday."

So how do you stay cool in excessive heat? 

Watch you diet:

For starters, Madelyn Fernstrom, TODAY's Diet and Nutrition editor, "keeping hydrated is key." While drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated there are many other ways you can do so as well. She suggests eating foods with high water content such as: large green salads with lots of veggies and fresh fruit such as watermelon. For a quick pick me up snack, she suggests eating frozen fruits such as pineapple or grapes. Avoid eating meals that are spicy, which will only warm you up and meals that are high in fat.

Cool Down your Core Temperature:

Senior Editor of Men's Health Magazine, Clint Carter suggest taking ice cub-sized hand coolers and apply them to pulse points (behind your elbow, back of your neck, or knees. This helps cool down your core temperature.

Tired of hot, sleepless nights? 
Who doesn't love the cool side of the pillow? Try putting your bed sheets or pillow in the refrigerator for a half hour if you don't have air conditioning.

Avoid Exercising Outdoors
Or if you have to, workout in the morning or evening hours.

If you know you are going to be outdoors, bring a personal fan
Melissa Conrad Stoppler, MD, and medical author on Medicinenet.com, says that "some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans."

If you are in the market for a portable, personal fan, we suggest our newest line of Breezie Fans. Stay cool with the Viatek Breezie Handheld Bladeless Fan. Take it to your favorite sporting event, to the beach, the park, and even to the office. Sleek and stylish, it features the latest in bladeless fan technology, delivering a cool, smooth stream of air without the unpleasant buffeting sound associated with fan blades. Completely cordless, it runs on just 3 AA batteries and only uses half the energy of a conventional fan.

In a building or home without air conditioning? Try the Breezie Tabletop Bladeless Fan. The Breezie Bladeless Tabletop can be powered by either battery or USB connection. To use USB power, simply plug the included cord into the side of the fan. With an adjustable angle back, you can direct the Breezie fan in any direction.

The Breezie Tabletop fan also has a "Cool Breeze Feature". Simply dampen the sponge with water and freeze in a shape that fits the fan properly. Once the sponge is frozen, place it in the back of the fan.

Visit a cooling center
If you do not have an air conditioner, several cities are settting up cooling centers where you can go and cool off. You can also try going to the mall, or other areas where you know there is air conditioning.

How are you staying cool in this heat wave? 

Image Credit

Sources:
Today Health

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