It's a scorcher!!!

It's summertime and that means more outdoor activities in the heat. This summer has been unseasonably hot which can be very dangerous especially for children, the elderly and pets (okay, so just about the entire general population!!). While you don't need to curtail your activities, it is a good idea to take some precautions if you will be out in the sun for a prolonged amount of time. Here are some helpful ideas on how to stay cool and protect yourself (and others!) from the summer sun and heat:

• Try to take advantage of the early morning or late evening when planning outdoor activities or work outs.

• Wear loose-fitting clothes that are in a light color to keep your body cool.
• Use fans to circulate air to make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned home.
• Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer and grab one when going outside. As the ice melts, you will have a supply of cold water to enjoy!
• Drink plenty of water or sports drinks when engaging in outdoor activities to replenish the electrolytes in your body that are lost when perspiring.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol since they promote dehydration.
• Use products with mint or menthol. Body washes, lotions and body sprays refresh the skin and create a cooling sensation.
• Wear a hat to keep the sun off of your face.
• Drink chrysanthemum tea. The tea is said to have a cooling effect on the body.
• Eat spicy foods. Yep, you read that right! Foods that create warmth in the body enhance circulation and causes sweating that will cool you down.
  
• Dogs are less efficient at cooling themselves than people are. If your dog lives outdoors, consider bringing him indoors during the hotter times of day and be sure to provide a shaded area in your yard for him (like a dog house beneath a tree).
• Always use sunscreen. And don't forget to put sunscreen on your pets too! Short-haired dogs are susceptible to sunburn especially on the bridge of their noses, tips of their ears and belly area. May sound silly but it works and can save Fido from a lot of discomfort later on!
• Your dogs paws can get burnt on a hot sidewalk or asphalt driveway. If it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for their paws. If the dog MUST go out, keep the walk very short and keep him in the grass if at all possible.

Hope those tips help to keep you and your entire family safe during the dog days of summer. Now, go grab a cold glass of lemonade and head for the nearest pool! Until next time, keep it clean!!