If you think this is about fashion you are wrong. This is about how to survive those post 100 degree temperatures that are hitting all over the country and causing those living in the northern states to wonder if the recent violent storms haven’t relocated their home south of the Mason-Dixon.
Southerners have dealt with heat, humidity, and sweat stains their entire lives. It isn’t something we concern ourselves with – it’s just a fact of life after about the first of May. We know that this kind of heat can cause a quick trip to the emergency room, and we know that life just has to change when the thermometer shows a solid red line to the top.
Here’s some hints for staying cool in these above normal temperatures.
- Wear flowing, loose fitting clothing made of light cotton or gauze. Keep it light colored.
- If your hair is long, put it up and keep your neck as cool as possible.
- Wear sandals or go barefoot if you can. The more of your body that is covered, the hotter you are going to be.
- Drench yourself with liquids – especially water. You can dehydrate much faster than you think. Lemonade, water, sweet tea, and fruit juices will keep you hydrated. Sodas will not help as much because of the high salt content.
- Fill those glasses with ice and drink your beverages cold. It helps your body stay cool.
- If you have to be outside, wear a brimmed hat.
- Don’t expect to be as efficient as you usually are. Try to get physical chores done in the cooler morning hours and save paperwork for the afternoons.
- Close the drapes to keep as much heat out of your house as possible.
It’s just as important to keep your pets cooled down, too. Bring them inside, give them ice in their water, and let them have plenty of shade outside. Heat is hard on everyone.
photo credit: Ted Sakshaug
