How to beat the heat

Summer can be a lot of fun, but what if it is too hot to go outside? Don't let the heat of summer stop you from having a good time. Here are some great and inexpensive ways to feel cool and escape the hot weather. Learn how to beat the heat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Visit the Beach or Community Pool -- If you do not have your own pool, take a trip to the beach or visit your local community pool. Many community pools offer passes for the entire summer, or you can visit as a guest and pay as you go. Bring your beach bag, sunscreen and a towel and take a cool dip.
2. Cold Melon Salad -- In general, it is a good idea to eat light foods when the weather is extremely hot. Avoid greasy fatty foods as much as possible. Cold veggies, salads, and fruit are the way to go, and they are also extremely healthy.
3. Go to the Library -- Pick up that summer novel you've been dying to read, a couple of movies, and maybe some CDs. At most libraries you can also access the internet for free. More importantly, get out of the heat and take advantage of the air conditioning.
4. Do Your Grocery Shopping -- Another great way to beat the heat and run an errand at the same time is to make a trip to the grocery store. Spend lots of time in the frozen food section, and you are sure to cool off in no time.
5. Take a Cold Shower -- Hot, humid weather can make you miserable and stinky. Not only will a cold shower leave you feeling cooler, but you will also be clean (and smell nicer too).
6. Take a Trip to a Cavern -- This is one of my personal favorites. If you have a local cavern near you, take a trip and you may find it to be a constant 54 degrees or so year-round! Bring a light jacket. You can make a day of this by having the kids learn about bats and caves at the library, and doing some "cave paintings" on some brown craft paper. Bring a picnic lunch and have fun learning about cave formations.
7. See a Movie -- A tried and true technique for getting out of the heat is to go see a movie. Find out which movie has the longest running time to take advantage of maximum air-conditioning. Alternatively, if you have a basement, set up a TV and DVD player there and rent "cold" movies like Happy Feet, or Polar Express.
8. Stay Hydrated -- When it is hot outside, it is always important to stay hydrated and drink lots of water. Ice cold lemonade and iced tea work are quite refreshing, but water is always best for hydration. Avoid large amounts of alcohol, since it is dehydrating.
9. Host a Make Your Own Ice Cream Sundae Party -- Another favorite of mine. Invite the neighbors, and ask guests to bring an ice cream topping. Provide the standard vanilla, strawberry and chocolate ice cream and go nuts making the most awesome sundae!
10. Cook Wisely -- This is not the time to bake or use a slow cooker, since it will heat up the house considerably. Instead, cook on an outdoor grill or use the microwave as much as possible. Better yet, eat only cold foods.
11. Maximize Your A/C -- You can do this by cranking your air conditioner in the morning (when it will need to work the least) to cool down the house with a quick cold blast. Then turn the air back down, and close all blinds and curtains during the day to seal in as much cold air as possible. Also, be sure to change the air filter on your air conditioning unit about once a month during the summer so it runs more efficiently.
12. Close Curtains and Blinds -- Just keeping the sunlight out of your house can keep it considerably cooler. White curtains and blinds work best to reflect the most light away from your home.
13. Insulate Your Home -- Good insulation means your air conditioner will have to work less because the cool air will not escape as quickly. Since the sun beats down on the roof of your house, make sure there is plenty of insulation in the attic.
14. Change Your Lightbulbs -- CFL bulbs give off considerably less heat than incandescent light bulbs and will help keep your house much cooler. They also last longer and use much less electricity, so try to replace as many bulbs as you can.
15. Invest in a Spray Bottle -- Spray bottles are cheap. Keep them in the refrigerator filled with water, and be sure to spray yourself several times during a very hot day.

Tips & Warnings

• Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated during the summer.
• When outdoors, always wear a good quality sunscreen.