Staying cool when it’s H-O-T

Staying cool when it’s H-O-T


Are you staying cool this summer? Odds are, you’re anything but.

In many parts of the country, temperatures are skyrocketing, which can make almost any outdoor activity unbearable. We all know that a portable cooling fan or a swimming pool can get you through the dog days. But here are a few more tricks to help you beat the heat.

One way to keep cool is by using menthol. Menthol significantly reduces how hot we feel. By activating specialized receptors in our skin cells and our mouths, menthol tricks our brain into thinking the temperature is lower than it actually is.

Athletes often turn to menthol to stay cool during outdoor training and competitions. Studies show that runners who drink or rinse their mouths with a beverage containing menthol finish competitions faster and report feeling less hot than their counterparts.

Try peppermint tea or a couple of extra-strong cough drops the next time you head outside to see how it works for you. Perhaps you’ll even record a personal best time on your run or walk.

Another tip: Drink a slushy for a longer-lasting chill. Experts say menthol’s effects usually wear off within 15 minutes. Slushies lower your body’s core temperature.

As a bonus, the combination of ice and liquid keeps you hydrated.

However you choose to beat the heat, experts encourage you to consciously hydrate and know your limits. Be sure to follow running or walking routes that include shade when possible. You might consider exercising in the morning or evening when temperatures are the lowest.

Most important: Be cautious, be smart and always slow down or take a break if you start to feel unwell.

 

 

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