The weather in our world has been changing over the past many years, and now we are seeing record highs in many places. From dust storms to the ongoing hurricane season, the United States is going through wild weather in the midst of civil unrest and a pandemic. As a corpsman, there were many things that we were encouraged to promote, and caution around hot weather was one of the big ones. Here are some tips to stay cool- even with a mask on!

Hydrate!

Of course, one of the most important things is to drink water. A recent study showed that we should be using our body weight to figure out how much water is ideal. So if you weigh 150 lbs, you should consider drinking 75 oz. of water. There is such a thing as too much water, but trying to monitor your intake can be tricky. A lot of research still stands by the 64 oz. rule (8 glasses of 8 oz. of water a day). But with a lot of options of what to drink out there (sodas, energy drinks, juices), it is good to start somewhere.

Stay Shady!

Sunburn is not a way to get a tan, so screen it up with some sunscreen and find some shade! On the plus side, it is often a few degrees cooler in the shade. What a great way to get out of the heat! Many people use umbrellas as a way to stay in the shadows, and it works! It also keeps you from suffering for days on end with an itchy, peeling sunburn.

Gear Up!

There are so many great accessories that are made for hot weather that are pocket sized, including fans with cell-phone chargers, misting fans (just like summer camp), and even sunglasses with fans built into the sides! Whatever your tech interests, there are some great items that can help you keep cool, while looking great. Etsy is a great place to seek out some of these interesting items, and help support craftspeople all over!

To Bring it Together…

Stay hydrated, shady, and add on your favorite tools to help you stay safe and cool this summer. Wearing a mask in the Southern heat is not fun, but with the right gear and attitude, we can get through this!