* Please note that this blonde, Jen Tucker, recognizes that her issues can cross hair color borders. She welcomes all people, with open arms, that have ever suffered from blonde moments, blonde jokes, or ate a Blondie brownie, regardless of the color at their roots.*
Feeling the Heat?
As our friend The Abominable Snowman once said to Bugs Bunny, “Gosh, it’s hot!” July is here and it is a scorcher across the country, with states setting record high temperatures. The forecast is calling for ice cream cones melting at record speeds, beads of sweat percolating across your brow before you put one foot out the front door, and air conditioners working overtime. In an ongoing attempt to stay cool, I often envision investing in a summer home with views of icebergs gleaming in the sunlight, and penguins marching by my kitchen window. Due to the fact that dreamy destination is not in my immediate future, I’ll share some great ways to stay cool during the heat of the summer.
5 ways not to let high temperatures get you down!
1) Rooster Crow Rendezvous. Okay, so you aren’t a morning person and wouldn’t really fit into the night owl category either. I understand! I feel like I hit my daily stride by midafternoon. Try to avoid outdoor activities in the heat of the day, and consider moving those tasks to early morning or evening before temperatures rise. It takes some adjustment, and your body will thank you for staying out of the extreme heat.
2) I Screen, you screen, we all screen for sunscreen. Baby oil. You were my outdoor companion while I sunned myself in high school.I am so happy I quit you. Lather and slather on the SPF when you are outdoors. I popoutside several times a day with my children, so what works for me is applying facial moisturizer and body lotion, both containing sunscreen,each morning for light outdoor activity. I reach for the Coppertone Sport for my children 20-30 minutes before they head outside to play. I am impressed with the endurance this sunscreen provides while playing in the pool, a trip to the local park, or splashing in the sprinkler. Remember to reapply sunscreen after several cannonballs off the diving board, and multiple rounds of Marco Polo in the pool.
3) Bartender, make me a tall glass of water;on the rocks. Stay hydrated to avoid overheating! According to Web M.D.,“Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that may occur after you've been exposed to high temperatures for several days and have developed dehydration, which is an inadequate or imbalanced replacement of the fluids and electrolytes you've lost through excessive perspiration.” Cut out sugary, sports beverages from your diet and focus on drinking several glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated.
4) Lighten up your clothing. If you saw me spending time in my garden giving eviction notices to the weeds that moved-in with my hydrangeas (uninvited, little buggers) I am positive you would call me a “Glamour Don’t.” I am okay with that! The American Heart Association suggests wearing light colored clothing that is well ventilated. I wear running shorts created with breathable fabric and old, white tank tops while working outside. Also look for socks that repel moisture, and choose footwear that will allow your feet to breathe.
5) Get Shady. Take time out of the sunshine and cool off. It’s important to step away from the heat, and rest in a shade filled spot. Also, consider wearing a large brimmed, ventilated hat during outdoor chores. It will keep the sun off your face and head, which will in turn keep you cool. My husband decided this was the year he needed a garden hat, and found one that fit his beautiful, bald head perfectly. He chose to add extra ventilation to his fishing style hat (translation: mike snipped crazy, random holes all over) to allow his skin to breathe.Above all else, listen to your body. If you are thirsty, feel light headed, or overheated cool down immediately.
I wish you and your families a safe and super Fourth of July! Remember our troops, currently and previously serving, who serve and protect our country. Remember their families, who sacrifice having their loved ones with them on holidays.Happy Independence Day!
Jen Tucker not only knows how to survive, and thrive, she has never met a gluten free cupcake that she didn’t like. A former teacher and educator, she worked with children in school, hospital, and enrichment settings for many years. In her years at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, it was Jen’s job to bring the “hands on fun” into the visiting exhibitions in the galleries. Who better than to turn a sometimes dull subject like Disaster Preparedness into TERRIFIC FUN?!! Jen broke away from writing children’s books and thematic units last year with her memoir “The Day I Wore my Panties Inside Out” which was a semifinalist in the humor category in the 2011 Goodreads Book Awards. Jen’s newest tale “The Day I Lost my Shaker of Salt” will be released in 2012. Jen lives in West Lafayette, Indiana with her husband, Mike, and their three children.
