Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Take a Break: Beat the Heat

In keeping with the rash of 90 plus degrees days this summer, today’s “Take a Break” is all about relaxing and “beating the heat.” Take your pick:

• Make the following:
- “Cooling tie” and wear it.
- Paper fan and wave it.
- Rice cold compress. Fill a clean sock with rice and put it in the freezer. Rice retains cold for a long period of time. Let it stay in the freezer for about two hours before using it.

• Get wet. Go swimming. Visit a water park for the day. Stand in a kiddie pool. Run through a sprinkler or fountain. Take a cool shower or bath. Soak your feet in ice water. Spritz yourself with water with a cheapie spray bottle, or splurge and get one with a mini fan.

• If you are fortunate to live where it’s not humid, place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan and enjoy the cool breeze.

• Stretch out in the shade, lie on a hammock or lounge chair, and read a book while sipping iced tea or some other cooling beverage.

• Go to a movie, museum, library, mall or someplace that has air conditioning.

• Rent “snowy” movies. Now you can watch those Christmas movies you didn’t have time for during the holidays. Just thinking of Scrooge in his cold and drafty winter London house makes me feel cooler already. With July 25 in just a few days, celebrate Christmas in July.

• Cool down with iced beverages, ice cream, frozen yogurt or a smoothie. Stay hydrated. Keep a pitcher of ice water in the frig. Spice up ice water with a sprig of mint, or a slice of lemon or lime.

• Give your kitchen a rest and get some salads from your local deli or grocery store. If you must cook, do it in the early morning.

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