(HIB) – It’s easy to overexert yourself during the inevitable summertime heat wave. Any common outdoor activity – such as gardening, sports, entertaining or vacationing – can quickly turn you into a sweaty mess when temperatures soar. Keeping cool isn’t simply a matter of comfort, either; it’s also a matter of safety. <\/p>\n
Simple precautions can help you deal with heat and humidity. The key is to not interfere with the body’s natural ability to keep cool:<\/p>\n
* Wear white or light-colored fabrics to reflect radiant heat.
\n* Choose open-weave, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing to allow airflow and evaporation.
\n* Shade your head, neck and face with a comfortable, wide-brimmed hat.
\n* Take breaks to rest, and avoid prolonged exertion.
\n* Regularly drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic, caffeine-free beverages, plus the occasional sports drink to maintain electrolyte balance.<\/p>\n
If you do become over-heated and are feeling the ill effects of high temperatures, take quick action to cool the body and rehydrate:
\n* Cease strenuous activity and get out of the sun.
\n* Drink fluids.
\n* Sit in front of a fan or in an air-conditioned room.
\n* Apply a cooling mist to exposed skin.
\n* Immerse yourself in a cool bath, or stand in a cool shower.
\n* Apply a cool compress to your head, face and neck.<\/p>\n
Tom Havran, product specialist with Aura Cacia (www.auracacia.com<\/a>), offers some recipes using essential oils<\/a> to naturally enhance your efforts to keep cool in hot weather: <\/p>\n Cool and Fresh Eucalyptus Body Mist<\/p>\n Ingredients: Directions: Always shake well before use. Avoid eyes and sensitive areas. Store the bottle in the fridge or ice chest to heighten the cooling sensation.<\/p>\n Refreshing Peppermint Bath<\/p>\n Ingredients: Directions: If you don’t have time for a full bath, use this mix for a cool foot soak.<\/p>\n Cooling Lavender Compress<\/p>\n Ingredients: Directions:
\n4 ounces water
\n1 teaspoon plain vinegar or herb-infused vinegar (lavender, rose, peppermint, etc.)
\n12 drops eucalyptus essential oil
\n9 drops lavender essential oil
\n3 drops peppermint essential oil<\/p>\n
\nCombine all the ingredients in a spray mister bottle. Shake vigorously and mist the skin. <\/p>\n
\n1 tablespoon sea salt
\n1 tablespoon Epsom salt
\n1 tablespoon baking soda
\n5 drops peppermint essential oil
\n4 drops lavender essential oil<\/p>\n
\nCombine salts and baking soda in a small bowl. Sprinkle oils on salt mixture, and stir well. Dissolve into lukewarm bath. <\/p>\n
\nBasin of cool water (approximately 4 cups)
\n12 drops lavender essential oil
\n9 drops peppermint essential oil
\n3 drops grapefruit essential oil
\nSoft facial cloth<\/p>\n
\nCombine water and oils in a basin or bowl. Swish with cloth, wring out excess, and alternate placement on neck and forehead. Refresh the cloth often, and add a few ice cubes to the water to boost the cooling effect. Avoid getting in your eyes.<\/p>\n