KEEPING IT COOL !!!

This is promising to be a hot dry summer. We’ve already had scorching daytime temps and expect it to get hotter. We northern iglooers don’t normally worry about too much heat, but this year, be ware. Heat stroke is serious and can be life-threatening.

Keep your cool.

Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather:

What is too hot?

A healthy human body maintains a temperature of about 37°C (98.6°F). When your body temperature rises, heat is released through increased sweating and blood flow to the skin. This allows your body to cool and return to its normal temperature. Heat-related illness occurs when your body is unable to properly cool itself in hot outdoor or indoor environments, or during intense physical activity. When your core temperature rise above 40 C or 104 F and the body can’t regulate isn’t temperature, it is serious. When the body fails to regulate its own temperature and it continues to rise, often to 105°F (40.6°C) or higher it is Heatstroke. It is a medical emergency. Even with immediate treatment, it can be life-threatening or cause serious long-term problems. It can happen very fast. A fever is very different though it is also dangerous at those temps.

Being in a hot environment can make your body temperature go up. Examples of hot environments include the inside of a car or a tent on a hot day, the upper floors of a house on a sunny day, a hot tub or sauna, and heat from direct sunlight outdoors. Never leave a person or an animal in a vehicle, even with open windows in the heat.

Heat-related illnesses can also occur in your workplace if a hot environment is created by equipment or enclosed spaces. Examples include: bakeries, kitchens, laundries, boiler rooms, foundries and smelting operations, mines, and certain manufacturing plants.

What are the symptoms of heat-related illness?

The symptoms of heat-related illness can range from mild to severe.

· pale, cool, moist skin;

· heavy sweating;

· muscle cramps;

· rash;

· swelling, especially hands and feet;

· fatigue and weakness;

· dizziness and/or fainting;

· headache;

· nausea and/or vomiting;

· fever, particularly a core body temperature of 40° C (104° F) or more;

· confusion and decreased mental alertness;

· hallucinations;

· red, hot, dry skin (in the late stages of heat stroke);

· seizures; and

· Unconsciousness/coma.

Hot temperatures can be dangerous especially if you have heart problems and breathing difficulties.

How to prevent heat related illnesses

· Seek air conditioned buildings (malls, offices, public buildings) if your home is unusually hot.

· Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

· Wear and reapply organic sunscreen if a uniform prevents appropriate clothing

· Pace activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.

Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and a broad brimmed hat that shades the face and ears.

If you participate on a sports team that practices during hot weather protect yourself and look out for your teammates:

Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.

Monitor a teammate’s condition, and have someone do the same for you.

What Should I do for mild heat-related illness?

When recognized early most mild heat-related illnesses can be treated at home.

Note that mild heat exhaustion does not cause changes in mental alertness. Consult a health care provider about changes in mental alertness in someone who has been in the heat, has been exercising, or working in the heat.

Home treatment for mild heat exhaustion may include:

· moving to a cooler environment and using cool wet cl0thes;

· drinking plenty of cool, non-alcoholic fluids;

· resting;

· taking a cool shower or bath; and

· wearing lightweight clothing.

If your symptoms last longer than 1 hour, change, worsen, or cause you concern, contact a health care provider.

Seek medical care immediately if you experience symptoms of more severe symptoms of heat-related illness. Heat-related illness can lead to weakness, disorientation, and exhaustion. In severe cases, it can lead to heat stroke, also known as sunstroke. Heat stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency. The effects of heat are made worse if you do not drink enough water to stay hydrated. Remember that pop, energy drinks, coffee and sweet drinks all dehydrate the body. Drink water.

TRY THE “AYURVEDA” WAY

According to Ayurveda, the ancient science of natural health, the core principle to living well is to stay in balance. So when things heat up outside, the key to perfect health is to find ways to cool down – mentally, emotionally and physically. This affects everything we do including what we eat, when we exercise, and how we relax.

In Ayurveda there are three governing agents that are the basis of everything in the universe, known as doshas: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Every aspect of nature is a combination of these three – including the seasons.

Summertime is Pitta season and Pitta affects metabolism, digestion and all heat in the mind, body and environment. When Pitta becomes aggravated and overheated we get out of balance. This affects our emotions (eg anger and impatience), our body (eg sweaty, ruddy, sensitive skin) and our behaviors (eg a drive to perfectionism).

Here are 7 tips to keep you cool:

1. Avoid foods that heat you up

When the body is already hot the last thing you need is to rev it up with spicy food. Go easy on the curries, chillis, hot peppers and salsas. Sour foods like yogurt, cheese and sour cream all add too much heat in Pitta season. Also limit excessively salty foods – they will leave you dehydrated and aggravate your skin. Small amounts of ginger, black pepper and cumin are ok but say no to cayenne. Stay away from tomatoes, garlic, onion, beets and spinach when you can. Alcohol has a heating effect on the body as well.

2. Favor foods that cool you down

Sweet, bitter, astringent foods are the ones to go for. Good examples are milk (drink it warm), butter and ghee. Olive, sunflower and coconut oils are great for balancing Pitta. Sweet, ripe fruits like avocados, cherries, plums, grapes, pineapples, peaches and mangoes are perfect. Cilantro and mint are excellent and a little cinnamon is fine. Asparagus, cucumbers, sweet potatoes, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, zucchini and green beans are all good.

3. Avoid ice cold drinks

“What – no ice in my drink?? Isn’t that the ultimate balancer for all the heat?” Actually, no. While we need to keep cool, it is even more important to keep your digestion strong. Your digestive system is like a fire that is responsible for converting food into energy. When the flames of your digestive fire are burning in a balanced way, you are able to assimilate all the good bits you need from your food whilst eliminating the not-so-good bits. However when you drink that iced-water with lunch, you are effectively putting out the flames of your digestive fire. So lay off the ice and go for room temperature. It will be assimilated into your body much faster and you will feel rehydrated more quickly.

4. Eat at the right time

An important part of balancing Pitta and keeping cool is to eat your main meal in the middle of the day when your digestive fire is strongest. Skipping meals is also a sure fire way (excuse the pun) to upset Pitta – notice how cranky you feel when you miss lunch.

5. Exercise with a splash

If you are working out, do it at the time of the day when nature is most cool. Early morning is best. Second best is early evening. Going for a run in the middle of the day when the sun is at its strongest is going to aggravate Pitta. Light exercise is recommended such as yoga, tai chi, walking and best of all, swimming.

6. Make time to play

Balance the intensity of the heat with less intensity in your work. Build in time for play. When Pitta is out of balance we tend to be driven, demanding, impatient and we overdo it. That in turn creates more imbalance. So ease back and make some time for fun.

7. Turn down the temperature of the mind

As is the mind, so is the body. The most powerful way to settle down the mind is to build in some regular time for meditation each day. However there are many other ways to turn down the dial on that busy, frazzled mind. Listen to some beautiful music, take a walk in nature or practice some conscious breathing to soothe your soul.

TRY THESE HACKS TOO

If you haven’t already, at some point soon you’re going to find yourself kitted out in something not-at-all suited to face summer’s sweltering climate—either by accident or necessity—with no relief or chance to change in sight. Here, for just that occasion, 6 on-the-go hacks to cool your body down out when the weather gets the best of you.

Slow It Down

It may seem obvious, but if you’re looking to cool down quick, the first thing you need to do is make sure you’re not making the situation any worse. And one factor that can do that quicker than just about anything is physical activity. So, when you’re feeling hot under the collar, try to minimize movement as much as you can.

Hydrate Like Hell

Now, it’s time to give your body the resources needed to regulate temperature on its own. Its primary means of doing so? By pumping buckets of perspiration out of your skin. Which is why it’s imperative that you continually replenish fluids as the day goes on. Otherwise, you’re going to get dehydrated, adding insult to heat-induced injury.

For a more targeted approach to cooling down, try running cold water on your wrists for up to 30 seconds each. What this will do is actively lower the temperature of the blood in your arms, which will then recirculate into the body’s larger bloodstream and cool your body down for up to an hour. Depending on how hot it is outside, of course.

...Plus The Back of Your Neck

Fun fact: the area of the brain that senses and regulates body temperature is located in the base of the neck in an area of the brain called the brainstem. Cool this spot down with a wet towel, ice, a targeted fan or some other inventive means, and you can trick your body into feeling like it’s cooler than it is.

Chill Out Your Medicine Cabinet

Remember how we said that storing your grooming products in a cool, dry place (like the refrigerator) will help them last longer? Well, it turns out there’s an added benefit to keeping your lotion on ice. Because there’s nothing quite as refreshing as rubbing an exceptionally cool cream across your face on a 90-plus degree day.

Think Minty Fresh

Another pro-tip with regard to your summer grooming arsenal: when the temperature starts to spike, swap out go-to moisturizers, face washes and other everyday products for menthol- or peppermint-infused alternatives. This will give them an extra cooling kick, which, however minimal, can certainly help to beat the heat in a pinch. Every little bit counts, after all.

Don’t Ditch the Undershirt

Sure, it may seem counterintuitive to don an extra layer when your button-down on it’s own seems to be forcing you to sweat profusely. But the truth is that sporting some sort of undergarment will help to reduce chafing and friction, particularly with starched and tailored shirts, preventing the body from heating up even further. Just make sure it’s a light cotton fabric—anything heavy or synthetic will only cause more trouble.

Ways to Sweat Less

Our bodies protect us from overheating by sweating. But sweating a lot is not always convenient or pleasant. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to keep drier this summer.

1. Use deodorant at night

Consider clinical-strength deodorant or long-lasting deodorant for extra power. Doctors recommend applying deodorant before you go to bed. It won’t wash off as easily as if you apply it in the morning, when you generally sweat more. It also has time to block the sweat ducts.

For those who want a natural deodorant that doesn't clog sweat ducts, look for aluminum-free deodorants. Keep in mind that these might not work as well as clinical-strength or regular versions.

To keep fresh throughout the day, hide a travel-sized deodorant in your car, desk, or purse, which you can reapply before a stressful meeting or social event. Use aerosol antiperspirant for your feet.

2. Keep a personal fan

Get a personal fan or USB-powered fan that you can use anytime to cool down. These can attach to your computer or smart device and provide a satisfying breeze. For those extra hot days, a misting fan provides a powerful cool down.

3. Sleep on a cool pillow

For bedtime, get a cool gel pillow, which stays cool all night and can reduce your body temperature. Also, consider trying the Egyptian Method, which involves using a damp towel as a blanket and wearing damp socks.

4. Spray a refreshing mist

A refreshing mist with vitamins and essential oils will make your skin feel and smell good when you’re hot on-the-go.

5. Avoid hot foods

Spicy foods and hot drinks will raise your blood pressure and metabolism and activate your sweat glands, making you feel hotter and sweat more. Foods high in sodium can also cause you to sweat more. Go for less zesty dishes and add ice cubes to your cup of joe.

6. Wear loosefitting clothing

Good circulation is the key to cooling your body down without sweating. Loosefitting clothing is also more comfortable in the heat.

7. Choose breathable fabrics

Wear breathable, lightweight cotton, or moisture wicking material. Rayon, silk, polyester, and nylon are all fabrics to avoid if you tend to sweat a lot. Choose lightweight cotton bed linens as well, which will feel cooler on the skin.