Keeping your cool

It’s summertime! Maybe not officially, according to the calendar, but the thermometer says it is. And all those folks who griped about the cold winter weather are — nope, not satisfied; they’re now griping about the heat!

We checked a few web sites — MedicineNet.com, Daily Mail, and a blog page by Sophia Breene, and added a few tips of our own to help beat the heat.

The most obvious thing to do is stay inside where it’s air-conditioned. That’s a no-brainer.

But if for some reason you can’t, here’s what you can do:

Stick sheets in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before bed. We recommend placing them in a plastic bag first. Granted, this won’t keep you cool all night, but it will provide a brief respite from heat and humidity.

The actress Marilyn Monroe was credited for keeping her underwear in the refrigerator before she put them on. She was also credited for keeping her cosmetics and perfume in the fridge during hot summer days. She was one cool actress.

Make a DIY air conditioner by positioning a shallow pan or bowl full of ice in front of a fan. The breeze will pick up cold water from the ice’s surface as it melts, creating a cooling mist.

Drink a glass of water before bed. Just eight ounces will do the trick. Not recommended for people over 50.

Gadgets and other small appliances give off heat, even when turned off. Reduce total heat in the house (and save energy!) by keeping plugs out of sockets when the appliances are not in use.

When you’re at home and you’re pretty sure no one is around, turn on the Slip ‘n Slide and have a few rounds on it.

Eat small meals and eat more often. The larger the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates breaking down the food. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

Popsicles! Lots of them! Freeze blueberries, bananas, grapes, cut-up melon and snack on them.

While you're out, keep the house curtains drawn to stop it heating up like a greenhouse.

You should avoid alcohol because it dehydrates the body. You are better off with mineral water or low-sugar fizzy drinks. Also, avoid drinks with caffeine such as coffee and colas. These increase the metabolic heat in the body.

Arrange to spend at least parts of the day in a shopping mall, public library, movie theater, or other public space that is cool. Many cities have cooling centers that are open to the public on sweltering days.

If no one in your neighborhood has a pool, invite them over for a lawn sprinkler party. If the whole street is running through the sprinkler, then no one looks foolish, and you’re all staying cool.

Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too. But don’t squirt the cat!