With this week’s record breaking heat, which has been blamed for five deaths in Tennessee, Maryland and Wisconsin, some experts predict an unusually hot summer for the United States.
According to MSNBC.com, a new study from Stanford University predicts that global climate change will lead permanently to unusually hot summers by the middle of the century. So, as the summers heat up, what can you do to stay cool and keep hydrated?
Lather Up: With excessive heat often comes excessive sunshine and no matter how much time you plan to spend outside, sun safety is critical for preventing skin cancer. Use sunscreen with an SPF30 or higher daily for protection and if you’re planning on spending the day outdoors, up the ante to an SPF45 or higher.
Hit the Pool: Instead of abandoning your workout in favor of languishing in the air-conditioning, move your workout underwater. Swimming is an effective total body workout and when you’re underwater you won’t feel the effects of the heat. remember, when you’re in the pool, you can still fall victim to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Stay Hydrated. Excessive heat can make you feel tired, lethargic and dizzy – all symptoms of dehydration. To avoid feeling run-down as the weather heats up, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day so that you’re constantly replenishing and aim to drink a glass of water before every meal to stay ahead of the hot weather.
Water, water, everywhere. As tempting as it is to reach for a cold glass of lemonade – or a frozen margarita – as the temperatures rise, plain old H20 is the best thing to keep you hydrated when the sun is at its hottest. Don’t wait until you get thirsty to start sipping: drinking water is the most important thing you can do to stay hydrated.
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