Hot Tips for a Cool Summer

The arrival of summer means days at the pool, family barbeques, picnics, sports and other outdoor activities. Follow these tips this summer to keep your family happy, safe and healthy.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, it’s time to hit the beach, relax on the sand and catch some rays. This also means it is time to get to the habit of applying sunscreen. First you need to choose the right sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 and offers broad-spectrum protection which means it will protect you against UVA and UVB rays. You also need to reapply after 2 hours because sunscreen starts to become less effective. You can also protect yourself against the heat of the sun by using umbrella and wearing sunglasses and cap.

With summer here and weather already hot, with a little physical activity, we tend to sweat a lot. When we sweat, we lose electrolytes such as calcium; sodium and potassium that help regulate the body’s fluid balance. That is why it is important to keep hydrated by drinking lots of water, juices or any other fluid.

Excessive sun exposure can cause sunburn, heat stroke and even skin cancer. So as much as possible, stay out of the sun especially between 10 am and 4 pm. Finding a spot in the shade, carrying an umbrella or scheduling your outdoor activities to avoid those hours can help minimize sun exposure.

Wear lightweight, light colored clothing. Choose light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Since it is summertime, swimming is a great way to beat the heat. However be sure to follow safety precautions to avoid accidents like drowning. Swim only in safe places, those supervised by a lifeguard. If you’re not a good swimmer, don’t go in water that’s too deep. It is also best to swim with a partner, in case of emergency, there’s someone who will call for help.

Summertime is fun time, but it is also the time for higher electric bills due to keeping our house cool during the hot months. You can use blinds and curtains where there is direct sunlight to minimize the heat inside the house.  When the sun is out, you can open the windows so that fresh air can cool the house. Another cost effective way of saving energy is by turning off lights and other appliances when not in use. If you have an air conditioning unit, change the filter regularly to keep the unit at peak efficiency.