Summer can be fun as long as you know how to keep yourself cool. Here are a few things to remember:

Stay hydrated

The best way to keep cool is to keep a cold drink on hand. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. In hot weather, as much as 3-4 quarts per day are recommended while exercising. Iced tea is a classic summertime drink. Lemonade is also very cooling. Avoid extra-sugary soft drinks. The sugar and caffeine will just make you thirstier and fills you with empty calories. Try Crystal Light on-the-go in a water bottle if you want some extra flavour.

Strenuous activities

And yes, that includes walking around the theme parks. Walking around in the heat and humidity can make all parts of your body sweat, and that includes your poor feet. When feet are wet, blisters can develop, so try to wear socks that are not 100 per cent cotton. If you feel a hot spot developing, find a place in the shade to sit down. Take off your shoe and sock and inspect your feet. Put a bandage on the tender area, and let your feet dry. Dry feet are happy feet!

Tiger balm

Still sweating? Try some tiger balm! This herbal, mentholyptus-based salve is great for sore muscles, but it also provides a cooling sensation to your skin. Apply a small amount to your skin before slathering it on. Sensitive skin may find it a little too strong.

Spray fans

These battery-operated fans are affixed to a spray bottle that you fill with water. You can mist your face and neck, and feel a great breeze.

Sunblock

Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/UVB protection’ on their labels). You can get painful sunburn even on a cloudy day, so slather on the sunscreen every morning before you start out. Don’t forget lips, ears, back of neck.

Your own AC

Keep cool with fans, air conditioning, and cool baths or showers. Make your own air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan and letting it blow on you. Window fans work best when blowing air out, so put your fan on the sunny side of the apartment and let it expel the hot air while pulling cool air from open windows on the shady side. Keep shades or curtains pulled on the sunny side of the house.

Cold towels

Put at least five wet hand towels inside a zip-lock bag then store in the refrigerator. As soon as you get home, pat one on your face. If you feel your face is dirty, apply toner first before dabbing your face with this cold washcloth. Not only will it close your pores, it’s also very refreshing.

Water spray

Just put water in a spray bottle. Every time you feel your face is sweating, just spritz, then dab off excess water. You can also squeeze a little lemon juice to add scent.

Fruit shakes

The best and healthiest drink this summer? Fresh fruit shakes or juices. Most Asian countries always have fresh coconut juice. Coconuts are abundant, thus very inexpensive. It’s also isotonic, replacing fluids and minerals that get lost during physical activities. And it relieves and prevents urinary tract problems, that’s why it’s good for pregnant women.

Body scrub

Unwind with a soothing, fortifying body scrub. This loosens tense muscles, helps eliminate impurities and rids dry skin. Scrubs also stimulate cellular regeneration, and hydrate and nourish the skin. They’re usually done with a gentle massage, dry exfoliation, then a rinse.

Facial

Be clean and grin by having regular cleaning and facial treatments. Facials revitalise skin. They involve cleansing, exfoliating and end in a relaxing massage and nourishing facial mask.

Stay healthy

Get plenty of sleep and eat light, nutritious, and non-fatty meals. Eat foods high in water content like fruits and vegetables. Don’t use your oven, use the microwave or a toaster oven. Better yet, eat out. (ANN/ AsiaNews)