Judicious #home improvements can help cope with extreme heat, Kiplinger says. Protect your roof by installing attic ventilation and adding or replacing insulation, which can also reduce the burden on your HVAC system and reduce energy costs. Shade trees, awnings and window films can dramatically reduce indoor temperatures by blocking direct sunlight. And if you really want to guarantee comfort, prepare for the worst by investing in a standby generator or installing solar panels and a battery backup to power essential equipment during an emergency. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Author: Jordank
Editorial Coordinator
Avoid Cooking When Temperatures Soar
Cooking produces a lot of #heat in the kitchen, says CNET, so when you may wish to limit those activities during an extreme heat event. Even if your home is air-conditioned, cooking can add stress to electrical demands and have a negative effect on indoor air quality. Try no-cook meals such as salads or ceviche, or take anything that needs flame to an outdoor grill. You can also turn to small appliances such as an air fryer or microwave oven, which consume less energy and produce significantly less heat to get foodstuffs hot. If you must use the stove and oven, wait until nightfall and open the windows. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Precautions to Observe in Extreme Heat
“Everyone should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during extreme #heat,” says Mother Jones. When temperatures and humidity soar, try to stay in an air-conditioned environment. If you are among the 12% of U.S. households that don’t have at least some air conditioning, seek refuge at a cooling center, library, movie theater or mall. Never leave pets and children unattended in a car during hot weather, and take plenty of breaks when spending time outdoors. And if you must engage in outdoor activity, avoid the hottest hours of the day between noon and 4 p.m. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
Staying Safe in Extreme Heat
Federal records cited by Scientific American say that #heat “caused or contributed to” at least 2,300 U.S. deaths in 2023. With a heat wave blanketing a large part of the country this week, protect yourself by limiting strenuous activity, drinking plenty of water, and seeking shade and climate-controlled environments whenever possible. If you start to feel flushed, faint, confused, nauseous or otherwise overheated, seek help and a cooler environment immediately to avoid heatstroke — a life-threatening condition. Apply cool compresses to your head and neck for initial relief. #Heatproof #ExtremeHeat
How to Cure the Summertime Blues
I’m gonna raise a fuss, I’m gonna raise a holler / About working all summer just to try to earn a dollar / Sometimes I wonder what I’m a-gonna do, but there ain’t no cure for the summertime blues.
The Eddie Cochran classic — later covered by recording artists as diverse as the The Who, Alan Jackson and Rush — highlights a common sentiment: That the lazy days of summer often run out before one can make the most of them.
The feeling often sets in around this time of year, with a new school year rapidly approaching for students, and adults scrambling to take a few days off or juggle social event. But while there may be no cure for the summertime blues, there are a few strategies that can help head them off.
The summertime blues often result from a fear of missing out (FOMO). Find something you want to do and make a plan; whether it’s a walk in the park, dinner and a show, or a full-on vacation, get it on the calendar. It will give you something to look forward to as well as a sense of accomplishment.
Suggestions from the Jewish Family Service include spending time outdoors — a little sun and fresh air can do wonders. Get together with family and friends. Develop a hobby that doesn’t involve work or screens. Above all, eat healthy and get some exercise. You also might try to do some #decluttering; too much #stuff can weigh on the psyche.
If the summertime blues go beyond a wistful sense of lost time or missed opportunities and develop into seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and/or depression, seek professional help. Common signs of summertime SAD include “anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, irritability and decreased energy levels,” says the Henry J. Austin Health Center. Disrupted routines, social expectations, body image concerns and oppressively hot weather can contribute.
It’s not unusual to feel a little bit gloomy even when the sun is shining. Fortunately, summer is longer than you think; you still have more than two months to enjoy everything the season has to offer. Start today!