15 effective ways to keep cool during Summer

Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn't just about comfort.

Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Follow these tips to keep yourself cool all summer long:

1) This tip is numero uno on the list as it is followed the most: Wear loose-fitting clothing and a hat or a cap, preferably of a light color.

2) As we all know, Cotton clothing helps to keep you cooler than many synthetics.

3) Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air-conditioned house.

4) Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.

5) Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you're ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you'll have a supply of cold water with you.

6) Without Doubt: Take frequent baths or showers with cool or tepid water.

7) Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products like Laban or Curd. As an added benefit, you won't have to cook much next to a hot stove.

8) Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.

9) Revise your Summer 'do: Cut your hair shorter or tie it up during those hot Summer days so that your hair isn't trapping the heat by your neck. But, incase you adore your long hair like me, you could go in for easy to do buns or bandanas.

10) This is an ancient trick, but still effective. Spraying the walls and roof of your house with water can keep your home cool by cooling down the heated surfaces.

11) Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a quick refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.

12) Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.

13) Alter your pattern of outdoor exercise to take advantage of cooler times (early morning or late evening). If you can't change the time of your workout, scale it down by doing fewer minutes, walking instead or running/jogging or decreasing your level of exertion.

14) Use the washroom more often inorder to get rid of that body heat. As already specified, drink more of water to keep yourself hydrated and to flush out toxins. Most of us don't realize it, but this is one of the most important tip to good health.

15) Pay special attention to the elderly, infants and anyone with a chronic illness, as they may dehydrate easily and be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Don't forget that pets also need protection from dehydration and heat-related illnesses too.

Would you like to add any more tips to these?