With the onset of summer comes many things, like no school, vacations and extreme heat. From 1979 to 2003 extreme heat has been responsible for 8,015 heat related deaths in the United States alone according to the Center for Disease Control. It is imperative that when being outside during those hot summer days that you take extra precautions to avoid causing permanent damage to the body or even death.
But it’s a shame to waste away those precious summer days that entail little or no responsibility because of heat. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy your summer and help you avoid health hazards.
Bodies of Water
You can only really enjoy a pool or beach during the summer months anyway, so live them up. But just because you’re outdoors doesn’t mean you can’t take extra precautions, such as sitting under an umbrella or tree. Instead of spending entire days at the pool it also may be a good idea to visit the pool for shorter periods but more frequently during the week. Just because it’s a cloudy day out doesn’t mean the pool is any less enjoyable. Granted, you can’t soak up those summer rays that are so sought after but you can still take a dip, clouds or not.
Read a book
No, we’re not all taking summer classes at the moment but reading a book is a great way to avoid the heat. Get cozy in your favorite chair and crack open the latest novel of your genre choice. Reading provides a chance to explore the mind and yes, even learn something because you don’t always have to be in school to learn. If a book doesn’t do it for you, pick up a magazine. Magazine’s are more geared towards individual interests and can hook you up with the latest on whatever celebrity scandal is slutting it up.
Volunteer
Volunteering is something everyone should take the time out to do at least once in their life. It’s a very rewarding experience to know that you are helping someone in a time of need. Most volunteer jobs are indoors, which means lots of air conditioning to help you beat the heat. If you’re unsure of where to go to volunteer, get online and do a little research. Oxford has multiple outlets that are always in need of young college students to lend a helping hand.
Indoor athletics
Most communities have some form of indoor recreational facility and on the Ole Miss campus we have the Turner Center. There people can enjoy activities that would otherwise be performed outside such as, basketball, jogging and even swimming. It’s the best of both worlds: exercise and air conditioning.
Abide heat rules
It is essential during summer months to abide by heat rules. It cannot be stressed enough that sunscreen and fluids are vital to summer health. If for some reason you must be outside don’t be afraid to take breaks to catch a breather and cool off indoors. Also, when outdoors for extended periods always be sure to drink plenty of fluids to replenish everything you’re sweating out.
Late night
Save the energy for the night. After the sun has set for the day, it’s perfect to get outside and not have to worry about suffering the sun’s extreme heat. Most parks have lights so you can still play a game of Frisbee, soccer or whatever game gets you your kicks. Late-night activities work during summer because most people have no responsibility to wake up to in the morning (being attentive in class is not as important as enjoying your summer). Besides, summer is the best time to stay out all night and sleep all day, what better do you have to do?