How to Beat the Texas Heat

Written by Sydney Cessna on July 21, 2011 in Health

Four months of scorching hot weather! Life in the Southern United States is almost unbearable… but there are ways to beat the Texas heat!

Here are the top tips how to keep cool during an unbelievably hot summer:

Focus on the windows– Make sure ALL blinds and curtains are closed to deflect sunlight. According to the US Department of Energy, this can potentially reduce the amount of heat that passes into your home by 45 percent. Always keep windows and doors shut whenever the temperature is above 77 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, check for any air leaks and seal them up with caulk or expanding foam insulation immediately. Common places to look for leaks are attics, around doors and windows, and electrical conduits.

Dress for the weather– Lightweight and light colored cottons help people keep cool, but most of all, make sure the garment is loose. This helps sweat evaporate quicker, instead of sticking to the body. Also when spending long amounts of time outside, make sure to wear a wide-brimmed hat or visor to shade your face. By dressing accordingly for extreme heat, you will have a lesser chance of suffering a heat stroke.

Strategically use fans– Most fans only cost anywhere from 2 to 5 cents to run per hour, so it is a wise way to cut down on air conditioning bills. Ceiling fans can decrease your cooling bill by up to 15 percent. Always turn off a fan before leaving a room because fans don’t cool down a room, but they do cool people off by evaporating sweat.

Don’t forget to exercise– The extreme heat often leaves us feeling sluggish, so regular exercise is necessary to rejuvenate. Ice-skating, taking an invigorating swim, or working out in an indoor facility are great ways to get into shape during the summer months. If you do decide to exercise outside, make sure to immediately stop when you feel stress on your body. The hot air temperature increases the body’s temperature, so knowing your limitations prevents heat- related illnesses.

Engage your mind– Reading a book about wintry weather can help you escape to. Books such as Doctor Zhivago and A Winter’s Tale keep your mind off of the current heat wave and instead evoke memories of ice and snow. Although movies with snowy scenes, like It’s a Wonderful Life or Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone may seem out of place for the time of year, but it tricks you into forgetting about the scorching weather.

Stay hydrated– Definitely our most important tip. Drinking more water than your thirst indicates helps prevent heat exhaustion. When we perspire more, we must replenish our body to keep our water content in equilibrium. Avoid caffeinated, sugary, and alcoholic drinks because they are all dehydrating. Eating foods with a high water content, such as fruits and veggies are also a great way to staying hydrated.