Keep your cool in the summer heat

Make the most of beautiful summer days with these tips and tricks.

Some clothes help you stay cooler than others: 

• Loose clothing allows air to flow over more of your skin. This evaporates your sweat and cools you down.
• Light-colored clothes absorb less heat than darker clothes.
• Wear breathable fabrics like cotton and nylon instead of wool, polyester and silk.

Whatever you wear, you should think of sunscreen and lip balm as must-have accessories. Make sure they have at least SPF 30 to shield your lips and skin from burning and reduce your risk for oral and skin cancers.

Your wrists and neck are “pulse points,” areas of your body where blood vessels are close to the skin. Applying cold to these spots causes the blood vessels to restrict, which helps cool your body faster.

When you find yourself craving a cold treat, try to reach for something with less sugar than ice cream. Instead, try Greek yogurt for tooth-strengthening calcium and muscle-building protein, or blend a nutritious smoothie. In the smoothie, try berries to support your gum health with vitamin C, or use vegetables like spinach and other leafy greens for more calcium.

Heat and ultraviolet rays coming from the sun are the strongest between 11 am and 3 pm. If you’re concerned about overheating, plan to remain indoors during those hours.

Beyond simply staying inside, you can also:

• Use a slow cooker instead of your oven, which can spread heat throughout your home.
• Close your curtains and blinds to prevent direct sunlight from coming in through your windows.
• Head to the basement, if possible, because the air there is naturally cooler.

To pass the time indoors on a hot day, try a relaxing activity like reading, meditating, crafting, cooking or simply completing a crossword puzzle. Managing your stress level can prevent headaches, lower your risk for heart disease, and even improve your oral health by reducing stress-based teeth grinding.