Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight clothing if you plan to be outdoors during extreme heat this summer. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and silk breathe to allow perspiration to evaporate, and certain synthetics such as Coolmax are designed to wick away sweat. “Loose, billowy clothes allow air movement next to the skin and help with evaporation,” Penn State professor Larry Kenney told Real Simple. You can find many lightweight and lightly used garments at the #thrift stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org — or #donate the ones you no longer need. Resale proceeds go directly to programs that benefit the nation’s #veterans. #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving
Tag: summerize
Avoid Exertion During Extreme Heat Events
With #climate change making #weather extremes more unpredictable, even simple activities such as getting the mail or walking the dog can pose health risks when temperatures spike. Ingest fluids continuously during extreme heat events even if you aren’t engaging in a strenuous activity — it’s better to prevent dehydration than react to it or suffer heatstroke. “Extreme heat is one of the terrifying aspects of climate change, and it’s important that people understand how to protect themselves and others,” Columbia University professor Cecilia Sorensen told Scientific American last year. #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving
Seek out Shade to Beat the Heat
Before the invention of air conditioning, people had to keep c#ool using the natural methods at their disposal. Staying out of the direct sunlight is the first rule, and #shade trees are the most cost-effective way to cool your outdoor spaces, Houzz says. Trees take time to grow, of course, but you can buy trees large enough to offer shade and plant them in the fall. For a quicker fix, try adding a pergola, awnings, ceiling fans or a misting system to your outdoor space. “The cool breeze provided by a misting fan can make outdoor living very comfortable on even the hottest days.” #BeatTheHeat #OutdoorLiving
Lighten Up Your Interiors for Summer
Just like you’d winterize your home by putting out extra blankets and burning scented candles, you can #summerize your space by bringing a #cooler, lighter touch to your furnishings, says L’Image Design Studio. First, eliminate excess #knickknacks that make your space feel #cluttered or constricting. Opt for lighter colors and swap out heavy, dark blankets and comforters for lighter ones. Give your houseplants some outdoor time. Wash the windows and replace heavy drapes with sheers. And finally, store any off-season items you won’t be using in labeled bins or donate them if you don’t foresee using them again.
Get Your Home Ready for Outdoor Living
One critical part of #summerizing a home is to make sure all of your outdoor spaces are inviting. Wash your outdoor furniture and deep-clean the grill, says Show Me Home. Wash the windows and sweep up leaves, branches and debris. Trim bushes and set your lawnmower’s blades to three inches or higher to encourage root growth and avoid a scorched lawn. Mulch the garden beds to help them retain moisture and inhibit weeds and insects. Add a few herbs or annuals to bare spots to lend color and foliage. “And finally, park yourself a lawn chair, grab a cold beverage and call it a day.”