8 Ways to Stay Cool When It’s Hot As Hell Outside
When the summer heat spikes, your body has to work overtime to stay cool. There is a balancing act between locking yourself inside with the AC running constantly on high and being outside too much, putting undue stress on your heart.
Jul. 14, 2016
Men's Health
May 2016 marked the 13th consecutive month a monthly global temperature record was broken—the longest streak since those records began in 1880, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information.
And here in the U.S., average temperatures are also at or near all-time highs. (Global warning: It’s probably a thing!)
You could crank your air conditioner to combat sweltering temps, but that means sky-high energy bills.
Plan B: Use these scientific hacks to stay cool this summer without touching the AC.
Unshaded windows allow sunlight to creep in and heat up your office or home. Closing your curtains and blinds can knock down the amount of heat your space will absorb by up to 45 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).
3. TRY THIS ICE TRICK
Almost every home or building AC system works by directing air over a cold coil. That chilled air is then pumped throughout your home via air ducts.
Turn off your AC and set a bowl of ice in front of your desk fan. This will cool you off in the same way, but for a fraction of the cost.
Apply an ice pack or a cool, damp cloth to these areas. You’ll lower your body temperature 50 percent more after 5 minutes than you would have by applying the same cold compresses to your neck and armpits, finds a Stanford University study.
