Much of the United States is in the midst of a heat wave, and it's all everyone can think about. It's so hot outside, how do we keep cool!? Here in the mid-Atlantic, we're prepping for triple digit temperatures, so we thought we'd share some of our favorite ways to enjoy the summer safely!

Safety First

Rising temperatures can be a health hazard, so it's important to know, recognize, and prepare for your body's limits. Of course, sunscreen is a given, but there are also ways to help your body maintain its optimal temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. 

• Throw shade (the good kind!): If you're going to be outside, make sure there are areas you can go to escape the sun at regular intervals. Bring the shade with you by wearing a wide brim hat, or an umbrella at the beach.
• Comfy clothes: Natural fibers like cotton and silk breathe more easily and allow better air flow than synthetics, which will help your skin regulate your temperature. Perhaps counterintuitively, sometimes covering your skin keeps you cooler than exposing it to the sun. Many clothing companies offer clothing with added sun protection which helps for those who dislike or forget sunscreen.
• Know the signs: Heat exhaustion is a serious concern, especially for young children whose bodies regulate temperature less well than older children and adults. 

Rest and Relaxation

When Mother Nature seriously turns up the thermostat, sometimes the best thing to do is just stay inside and relax! 

• Summer hibernation: Turn out the lights, draw the shades, and enjoy the cool of a comfy cave-like experience. Put on a bear story and imagine you're bears keeping warm through winter!

• Cool off after a hot day: Coming in from the heat and sun, your eyes may need a moment to adjust. Give them a break and shut them while you enjoy a story about cooler climes and times.

Water, Water, Everywhere

• Stay hydrated!: First and foremost, ensure you and everyone around you are drinking enough water. There's a reason thirst is one of the first signs of heat-related illness. Our bodies need water to help regulate our vital functions. 
• Get wet: Hopping in a pool or running through a sprinkler not only feels great, the water helps your skin maintain a healthy temperature. 
• No pool or sprinkler?: You can help your body out by putting a wet towel around your neck or wetting your exposed skin. Just remember to re-apply sunscreen!