As Canadians, we have learned to take advantage of, and appreciate the warm summer months. But, on those scorching hot summer days, too much fun in the sun can lead to heat-related health risks like heatstroke.
So, how can you and the family can keep cool outdoors? We’ve made a list of 11 ways to keep cool in the summerheat:
Choose loose, light-weight, and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton oversynthetics.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
Tip: try freezing a bottle of water that can thaw into the perfect ice-coldbeverage.Plan outdoor exercise for cooler times of the day like early morning or late evening. If that’s not possible consider scaling down the length or intensity of your outdoorexercise.
Run through the sprinkler!
Keep your core temperature down by eating smaller meals and choosing cooling foods like cucumbers, salads, vegetables and fruits.
Love spicy foods? You might be surprised to learn that spicy foods can also help cool your bodydown.Embrace theshade!
Take advantage of opportunities to keep cool in the community like public pools, splash pads and beaches.
Umbrellas are great for more than just rain.
Consider using one the next time you go for a summer stroll. It’ll help protect you from the heat and the sun’s UVrays.Have a good old-fashioned water fight with friends or family!
Avoid drinking sugary or caffeinatedbeverages.
Plan breaks from the heat. If it gets too hot out, plan an indoor activity like visiting a museum, community centre or shopping mall to cooldown.
Enjoy summer and staywell!
I'm an avid health and wellness enthusiast with a deep understanding of the concepts related to maintaining well-being, especially during the summer months. My expertise stems from a combination of comprehensive research, practical application, and a genuine passion for promoting a healthy lifestyle. Let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on effective ways to stay cool and healthy during the summer heat.
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Clothing Choice: The article emphasizes the importance of selecting loose, light-weight, and breathable fabrics like linen or cotton over synthetics. This recommendation aligns with the principle of optimizing clothing to facilitate proper air circulation, allowing the body to regulate temperature more effectively. Natural fabrics, such as linen and cotton, enhance comfort and aid in heat dissipation.
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Hydration: Staying adequately hydrated is crucial during hot summer days. The article rightly suggests drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This aligns with the fundamental concept of maintaining fluid balance in the body to prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke.
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Strategic Exercise Planning: The article recommends planning outdoor exercise during cooler times of the day, such as early morning or late evening. This aligns with the concept of avoiding the peak heat hours to minimize the risk of overheating and exhaustion during physical activity.
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Cooling Foods: The article advises consuming cooling foods like cucumbers, salads, vegetables, and fruits to keep the core temperature down. This aligns with the concept of nutrition playing a role in regulating body temperature, as certain foods have cooling properties and contribute to overall hydration.
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Spicy Foods: Contrary to intuition, the article suggests that spicy foods can help cool the body down. This concept is grounded in the idea that spicy foods can induce sweating, which, in turn, promotes evaporative cooling, helping the body dissipate heat.
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Shade Utilization: Embracing the shade is recommended to avoid direct exposure to the sun. This aligns with the well-established concept of reducing sun exposure to prevent heat-related issues and sunburn.
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Community Cool Spaces: The article encourages taking advantage of community spaces like public pools, splash pads, and beaches. This aligns with the concept of leveraging communal resources for staying cool and enjoying outdoor activities in a safer environment.
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Umbrella Use: Umbrellas are suggested not only for rain but also for sun protection. This aligns with the concept of creating a physical barrier between the body and the sun's UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses.
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Water Activities: Engaging in water-related activities, such as running through the sprinkler or having a water fight, is recommended. This aligns with the concept of using water for evaporative cooling, providing instant relief from the heat.
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Avoidance of Sugary or Caffeinated Beverages: The article advises against sugary or caffeinated beverages. This aligns with the concept of choosing hydrating beverages over those that can contribute to dehydration, such as caffeinated and sugary drinks.
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Indoor Breaks: Planning breaks from the heat and opting for indoor activities when it's too hot aligns with the concept of recognizing environmental conditions and adjusting activities accordingly to prevent heat-related health risks.
In conclusion, these concepts collectively form a holistic approach to staying cool and healthy during the summer, incorporating aspects of clothing choice, hydration, nutrition, sun protection, and strategic activity planning.
