Cool tips for a heat wave.
Plus: hot news!
Welcome to the un-Pleasure Dome, aka the Heat Dome! This week, it’s hot hot hot all over the country. In an effort to be helpful/take my mind off how hot it is, here are some tips I’ve scrounged from reliable (like, .gov) sources on the interwebs:
If you have to go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat. You think it doesn’t make a difference, but try one, as I finally did, and you’ll see. Well worth the hair smush.
Stay hydrated. No, really. Seems obvious, yet many people don’t drink enough water during a heat wave. Simple test: If your pee is light-colored, you’re hydrated. Deep, intense yellow? Not hydrated.
Check on seniors in your building or neighborhood. Make sure they’re staying hydrated too. As people get older, their thirst cravings lessen, making them prone to dehydration even in non-heatwave times.
No sweat? No good! Not sweating is a sign of heatstroke. Other signs: dizziness, confusion, body cramps. Get to shade, elevate your legs, and call for help.
Before taking your pet for a walk, touch the pavement. If it’s too hot for your fingertips, it’s too hot for paw pads.
Before you get in your car, check under it for animals seeking shade.
Leave water out for birds, bees, and other animals. Put water in shade, if possible. Add a few small stones or broken pottery so thirsty bees don’t drown (they’re not good swimmers).
Other kind of obvious hints that bear repeating: don’t go out if you don’t have to during heat dome days. If you do, go out in the early a.m. or late afternoon/early evening, when the world is not on “bake.” Baths and showers do amazing things to lower body temperature and increase sanity. Got people working outside? Offer them some water; they’ll be grateful, and you’ll get so many good karma points.
G’head and share this post with others who are trying to beat the heat!
Got more cool tips for heat waves? Share them in the comments.
Some Hot (But Not Heat Dome) News
Coming soon to this newsletter: a new comic series! I’ll be unveiling a teaser chapter of my new epic comic next week. You won’t want to miss it—make sure you’re subscribed!
Good advice and oh my gosh the super cute drawings! I was happy to see this in my inbox :)
I hate the hair smush but I agree that wearing a hat is more than worth it.
Another tip: eating spicy food helps you sweat, which helps cool you down.