Beat the Heat: 7 Tips to Stay Cool Without AC

Beat the summer heat without air conditioning! Discover 7 essential tips from Health Canada to stay cool and comfortable:

1. Stay hydrated: Drink water before feeling thirsty, and boost your fluid intake by enjoying water-rich fruits and vegetables.
2. Block out the heat: Keep your curtains or blinds closed during the hottest part of the day to prevent the sun’s rays from turning your home into an oven.
3. Cook wisely: Avoid using the oven, as it can significantly increase the temperature in your living space. Explore countless delicious no-cook recipes for refreshing meals, like mouth-watering marinades for outdoor grilling or hearty and refreshing salads.
4. Seek cool spots: Take a break from the heat by spending a few hours in tree-shaded areas, swimming pools, or air-conditioned spaces such as libraries, cooling centers, friend’s homes, or shopping malls.
5. Dress for comfort: Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothing in light colors to allow air circulation and help keep your body cool.
6. Capitalize on cooler nights: If it’s safe, keep your windows open overnight to let in the cool evening breeze.
7. Refresh with a shower: Take a cool shower to help lower your body temperature and provide instant relief from the heat.

While taking care to stay cool, be mindful of heat illness symptoms such as feeling unwell, headache, fatigue, and excessive thirst. If you or someone else experiences these symptoms, make sure to stay hydrated and seek a cooler environment.

Remember, if you suspect severe heat-related illness with symptoms like fainting, disorientation, severe nausea, vomiting, extreme thirst, or difficulty speaking, it’s crucial to treat it as a medical emergency. Call 911 immediately and take immediate steps to cool the affected person by moving them to a cool place, removing excess clothing, applying cold water to the body, or using fans to increase air circulation.