Keeping cool without air conditioning

By Lorraine Cyr

Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long.

• Wear loose-fitting clothing, preferably of a light color.
• Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetics.
• Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
• Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.
• Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners 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.
• Some people swear by small, portable, battery-powered fans. At an outdoor event I even saw a version that attaches to a water bottle that sprays a cooling mist.
• If you’re wearing a cap or hat, remove it and pour a bit of ice cold water into the hat, then quickly invert it and place on your head.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

Please remember to check on elderly or sick neighbors this heat is hardest on them.