Beating the Heat

Category: General |

Along with most other people in the Midwest, Michiganders have been forced to find creative ways to stay cool in this summer’s record-breaking heat. Bloomberg news reports that 1,067 temperature records have been tied or set due to the Midwest heat wave. For farmers, the drought has created some of the worst conditions for crops since 1988. The heat isn’t just affecting farmers, though. Thousands of Midwesterners have faced dangerous living situations due to the unusually warm weather.

Many Michiganders are taking basic steps to stay cool. However, many more have looked for more creative means to beat the heat.

Basic Tips

Air conditioning and fans will keep you cool indoors. Michigan residents are being urged to keep outdoor activities to a minimum during periods of excessive heat. Going outside doesn’t have to be off limits, though. Early morning or late evening may offer enough relief from the heat to make outdoor activities enjoyable. When you have to be outside, wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

Getting Creative

You can take many different steps to get relief from the heat:

Take Advantage of Your Surroundings. Michigan is surrounded by the Great Lakes. With access to Lake Michigan, Lake Superior and Lake Erie, Michiganders may be able to cool-off by sticking to outdoor activities such as swimming and boating.

Consider Energy Efficiency: It doesn’t take much to undermine the efficiency fo your air conditioner. Close the blinds or curtains to keep the sun from warming your home’s interior and turn-off devices that can generate heat, like televisions, gaming systems and computers. Use microwaves when possible to avoid the heat of a stove or oven.

Cool Yourself: Pay attention to your body’s cues. You can cool your body temperature quickly by running cold water over your wrists or by applying cold water to your face, temples or pulse points. Eating smaller meals as well as spicy foods that make you sweat and feel cooler are also good ways to beat the heat.

Hydrate: Make sure you get enough water. When you sweat a lot, you may find you need more water than you normally do.

Whether you stay inside in the air conditioning or enjoy the warm weather outside, you can remain safe and cool in these hot summer months. Pay attention to your body and your surroundings. With a bit of planning, creativity and common sense, you can successfully avoid any serious heat-related concerns – even in the hottest temperatures in Michigan.

Danielle is an avid outdoors enthusiast. She’s beating the heat this summer through adjusting her outdoor workouts to include swimming and early morning runs. When she isn’t working out, she’s blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands she trusts.