Tips to Beat the Sweltering Heat!

   The heat is definitely on in Texas, as well as all over the US! For most of us, air conditioning is a much needed savior during these scorching months. However, you can't stay inside all the time!! Here are some tips on how to stay cool and beat the sweltering summer heat!
  If you are an exerciser, it's best to keep your activities indoor if you can. If you must jog, walk, or bike outside, it's best to do it either early in the morning or later in the evening. Just be sure to wear light reflective clothing if you choose the latter. Speaking of clothing, you should go for loose fitting, light colored clothing over tight and dark. Also, choose organic cotton over other synthetic fabrics as it will breathe better and keep you cooler!
   Another tip for staying cool? Try keeping a spray bottle with water in the fridge to refresh you after a hot day! It's also great to store your lotion or body oil in the fridge during the summer. While you're at it, keep your showers on the cool side as well to keep yourself most comfortable. Fans are a great way to keep the house cooled down, or you can even carry a portable fan to take with you on the run!
   You'll also want to drink plenty of water to keep dehydration at bay. Try to keep caffeine and alcohol consumption to a minimum as these greatly promote dehydration, especially if you are outdoors!!  You can also eat cooling foods to help lower the temp from the inside out! Try watermelon, cucumber, mint, coconut, summer squash, fennel, cilantro, and aloe vera. It's best to steer clear of anything spicy, heavy, or greasy as these will only increase the heat!
   Use your best judgement this summer, along with these tips and you will stay cool enough to enjoy this heat wave! From all of us at Azuma, have a safe and fun summer! And as always, keep it clean!! :)

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!!