Ways To Beat The Heat This Summer

Scorching summers are not ideal for anyone. We are always seeking fun, innovative, and unique ways to keep cool and busy. In order to help you survive and even thrive in the heat waves - we have put together a cornucopia of tips and activities for a fun summer for your child and the family as a whole.

Let's look at the many ways to beat the heat this summer:

• Summer clothes. For summer months, it's always advisable to opt for cotton, bamboo or linen clothing. Fabric that is natural, light, loose and breathable should be the primary pick to deal with sultry summers. Clothes with less dye and prints are better. Select clothing with light colors such as whites, pinks, yellows, light blues and greens to beat the heat. Dark colors attract the sun and retain the heat. Loose fitting t - shirts/tops are also ideal.
   

• Hydration. Ensure that the entire family remains hydrated daily via water, coconut water, lemonade, smoothies and freshly squeezed fruit juices. Let water be accessible at all times with filled bottles/pitchers/jugs kept in easy-to-access places. Carry a thermos filled with nourishing liquids on day trips/outings/chores.
   

• Frozen treats. Children love nothing more than popsicles to beat the heat. Make your own ice pops at home using a variety of fruit juices or yogurts or smoothies frozen in pop molds and wooden sticks. Ice cream and frozen yogurts are also on the menu as summer treats. Ensure that the least amount of sugar is present in these frozen delights, so check the labels in the supermarts and always opt for the healthier options.
   

• Baths with cool water. Summertime is ideal for bathing with cool water. Baths can be 2-3 times a day to cool down. Studies show that people sleep better when cool so schedule evening light showers around bedtime. Make baths a fun time activity so kids make the most of it.
   

• Use thick curtains. The less sunlight streams into the house, the cooler it will be. Blackout/dark colored/heavy fabric curtains are ideal to keep sunlight out as much as possible especially if your home faces the east. You can buy them for the bedrooms while for the main family areas such as the kitchen, the den or dining rooms, let sunlight stream through with lighter curtains.
   

• Water-based activities. Summer is the time to use the pool, garden sprinkler, water balloons, squirt guns, and other fun activities using water. If you don't have a pool at home, use at the local community or a neighbor. Have a water fight with squirt guns or water balloons. Certain public parks also have splash pads on their premises which may be preferable.
   

• Avoid the sun. For outdoor activities early morning or evenings are ideal. Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 12 PM to 5 PM. If you do need to go out alone or with the child, use hats, dark glasses, and sunscreen block with the highest SPF levels, and hydrate constantly.
   

• Public indoor activities. Seek out fun things to do indoors such as museums, play areas in malls, and arcades. Public libraries are ideal for those interested in reading. Go have fun in indoor public spaces