By Amber T, Supplements Buyer + Shade Enthusiast
As I write this, it's poised to hit 88 degrees Fahrenheit in Boston today -- the hottest day of the year so far. I personally am one of those people who gets uncomfortable the moment the mercury rises above 70, so I spend a lot of time thinking about how to best care for myself during the hotter days. Here are some of my favorite tips for keeping your cool as it gets hotter outside.
Get To Know Your Body. Familiarize yourself with the symptoms of heat-related illnesses so you're able to recognize them in yourself and others. Consume more water than usual at regular intervals throughout the day, and don't wait until you're thirsty. Because your body loses salt through sweating, adding some powdered electrolytes or electrolyte drops to your water is a good way to replenish yourself. Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere you go, and refill it often. Wear loose, light-colored clothing, and take a cool shower or bath if you're able. And as tempting as an ice-cold beer might be, keep in mind that alcohol can increase dehydration in hot weather.
Use Sun Protection. If you're going to be outside, make sure to apply sunscreen to your face and body, and reapply it after swimming or heavy exertion. Even if you think you don't need sun protection (for years I thought my olive skin and near-inability to sunburn meant that I didn't need sunscreen), you should still use an SPF. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are also great additions to your hot-weather wardrobe. And even on cloudy days, there's still a risk of UV damage, so remember to wear sunscreen regardless of the weather!
Care For Your Community. Check in on elderly and/or disabled friends and neighbors, especially folks living alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control, older adults are less able to regulate their bodies' reaction to extreme temperature changes; they may also have additional medical conditions that impact their response to heat. Infants and children under the age of four also need to be monitored in hot weather to keep them safe. Consider donating bottled water to shelters or any unhoused folks in your community as well!
Make sure any pets have access to plenty of fresh water, and never leave your pet in a parked car. Even with the window open, temperatures can rise 20 degrees in 10 minutes. Learn what you can do if you see a pet left in a hot car -- this guide from the Humane Society of the United States is a great reference.
Know Your Resources. If you live somewhere without access to air conditioning, check with your town or city government about access to cooling centers -- here's the 2023 list of cooling centers in the City of Boston. Public green spaces like parks and community gardens can be a source of refuge in the summer months, as well as places like libraries and shopping centers.
Summer is a favorite time of year for many people, but if you struggle in the heat, take heart -- there are plenty of resources to keep yourself and your community cool and safe when the mercury starts to rise. Remember, our best resource is each other!
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