Tuesday, August 6, 2019
As the summer sun continues to display its sweltering strength, it is important to intentionally find ways to stay cool, and these tips can help:
- Reduce the amount of solar heat entering indoor areas by using blinds to direct light to ceilings and/or close curtains. Another option is to maintain/plant trees around homes to provide natural shade
- Stay hydrated by refilling a reusable water bottle frequently. The human body retains more heat when dehydrated, which could lead to a heat stroke. Drink plenty of water to lower the body’s core temperature and enable it to sweat as necessary. Avoid dehydrating drinks such as tea, coffee or alcohol
- Wear light-colored clothing, as it will reflect sunlight, whereas darker clothing absorbs sunlight and converts it to heat. Similarly, choosing lighter paint colors and roofing materials will help keep a home cool
- Raise the thermostat temperature during the summer and use fans to cool an indoor area. Fans use less energy than most air conditioning units. Ceiling fans should be set to push air downward in summer, and upward in winter (usually a small switch on the fan)
- Eat hydrating foods like melons, berries, celery and cucumbers. Avoid hard-to-digest foods that are oily or high in protein, as they increase blood flow to the body’s core. Spicy foods can have a cooling effect as the brain interprets them as signals to increase natural cooling through sweating
- Turn off lights and electronics when not in use. Light bulbs and electronics emit heat when turned on or in standby mode
- Avoid walking on or near asphalt when possible. Sunlit asphalt, especially freshly paved sections, radiates more heat than concrete or grass. The Toby Creek Greenway and Botanical Gardens are great on-campus options for enjoying the outdoors while staying in the shade
Though extreme heat causes discomfort, try to keep the environment in mind when seeking relief. If every person chooses healthy and sustainable methods to cool off, the environmental impact will begin to improve over time.