Hot and Bothered: Heat Wave Survival 101

By: Jonathan Jones 08/27/2013

Summer is finally here, and just in time for fall!  Yes, sometimes our weather patterns are unpredictable but we've never let them hold us back.  (I know I’m looking forward to living up every moment of these promised summer nights.)  But here’s a few tips to help us get through the hottest parts of the days.

[caption id="attachment_1838" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Let the kiddos run around on the new play area at Gurnee Mills"][/caption]

1.) Try to stay inside during the hottest time of the day.  Explore something that offers air conditioning, like Lake County Discovery Museum, explore some of the new shops at Gurnee Mills or check out Lake Forest’s Wildlife Discovery Center (open Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 – 4) where kids can get up close to snakes, owls, turtles and other little critters.

2.) Take a bottle of water everywhere!  Freeze one and keep it with you to drink when you’re done with your first, and use the ice on your temples and wrists to lower your core temperature.

3.) Before you leave in the morning, apply sunscreen lotion of factor 15 or above.  And remember, it really doesn’t work to its full potential until it’s been on your skin for 15 minutes.

4.) Place a damp cloth or scarf on the back of your neck to help you cool off.

5.) Limit outdoor physical activities like housework and gardening to cooler times of the day. Spend your day doing some of the things listed above in #1.

6.) Wear loose, lightweight, cotton clothing to allow your skin the opportunity to sweat.  After all, sweat is your body’s natural air conditioning system.

7.) Heat can suppress your appetite but be careful!  Low blood sugar means heat stroke!  Prevent it by snacking on healthy and cold foods like like salads and fruits to help keep you cool, hydrated and energized.  Locate your local farmers market here.

If you follow these rules, there’s no reason that you can’t enjoy this concentrated dose of Summer.  So fill up the cooler (with the big bag of ice), grab a beach umbrella and head to one of the many beaches in Lake County. Learn more about Lake County's beaches here.

[caption id="attachment_1839" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Lake Zurich's Paulus Park"]
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