During the summer months, even Milwaukee County sees extreme heat. At Krause Funeral Home, we understand it can be difficult to stay cool when temperatures begin to rise past the point of comfort. We encourage our neighbors living in Milwaukee, New Berlin, and Brookfield to take care during this time of year and hope these 7 tips on how to stay cool during hot summer months help.
- Stay hydrated.
This one may sound obvious, but drinking enough water really makes a difference when it’s hot outside. If regular water doesn’t sound exciting, try sipping on cooling beverages like iced mint tea, coconut water, or a fruit smoothie. While you’re at it, try to avoid consuming caffeine and alcohol during summer, as both these addictive substances promote dehydration.
- Build your schedule around the hottest times of the day.
The sun reaches its peak from between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you can, plan to be outside running errands or working out during the cooler times of the day like early morning or evening.
- Dress in cool clothing.
Natural, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are great warm-weather wardrobe choices. Loose-fitting clothing is a more comfortable choice amid extreme heat.
- Modify your diet.
When the weather warms, be sure to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into your daily meals, as many of these foods contain a lot of water, which is naturally hydrating to the body.
- Rethink your living space.
Invest in thick blackout curtains to keep the warm sunlight from entering your home. Standing fans can help circulate cool air around the room.
- Try to avoid taking cold showers and drinking ice-cold water.
Though it may sound counter-intuitive, taking a cold shower or drinking ice-cold water warm the body up. Drinking cold water can also slow down the digestive process and may lead to stomach cramps and other digestive issues.
- Protect yourself from the sun.
If you must go outside during the summer, plan your time carefully and do your best to limit your sun exposure. Be sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses if needed.
As temperatures continue to rise across the Midwest and the rest of the country, we’re excited to spend time enjoying the summer months with our loved ones. Do what you can to stay cool and contact our dedicated staff members who are available 24/7 to help your family navigate important end-of-life decisions.