In this post, you will learn…

• Tips and tricks to stay cool this summer
• How patio covers, screen enclosures, and Arizona rooms can keep you cool during even the sunniest of days

Summers can be unbearably hot, so hot that it’s often hard to enjoy time outdoors. But summer is made for backyard cookouts, family gatherings, and other outdoor activities. So how can we continue to do the summer activities we love while staying cool?

How to Stay Cool in the Summer Sun

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Being properly hydrated during the summer is extremely important. Insufficient hydration can lead to simple problems like a headache to life-threatening illnesses such as heatstroke. Here are a few simple ways to drink more water:

• Carry a reusable water bottle to fill up as needed.
• Choose water over sugary drinks like soda or juice to maximize water intake.
• Add flavor to your water with fresh fruit like lemons, limes, strawberries, and more. You can even add mint for a refreshing twist.

Change Up Your Diet

Popsicles, smoothies, and ice cream may be obvious summer snack choices, but you can actually “eat your water” to ensure you’re staying hydrated and help you cool down. Foods like iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and strawberries have a water content over of 90%! Incorporate these and other high-water-content foods into your diet to help you reach your recommended daily water intake.

Be an Early Riser

Beat the heat and get outside early. As the sun moves directly overhead in the middle of the day, temperatures can be excruciating. Spend time outdoors before noon to take advantage of the coolest part of the day.

The Importance of Staying Out of the Sun

While the sun has many positive benefits, such as enhancing our mood, relieving stress, and giving us our daily intake of Vitamin D, too much sun exposure can be detrimental to our health. Harmful effects of the sun include:

• Sunburn – One of the most common effects of too much sun exposure, sunburns cause redness, pain, swelling, blisters, and even flu-like symptoms like chills, fever, headache, or nausea.
• Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion occurs when the body loses an excessive amount of water and salt, typically due to extreme sweating. It is most common in the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and those doing physical activity in a hot environment.
• Heatstroke – The most serious heat-related illness, heatstroke occurs when the body’s temperature rises uncontrollably, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body cannot cool down. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not administered when needed.
• Heat Rash – Caused by excessive sweating, heat rash is an uncomfortable skin irritation that looks like a cluster of small pimples or blisters.
• Wrinkles/Early Aging – The sun is a major factor in the development of wrinkles and aging and how early they appear. UV light can damage collagen and elastic tissue in the skin, causing it to sag and not spring back into shape.
• Skin Cancer – Long-term exposure to the sun can cause skin cancer, and because it develops over years, you’re at more of a risk the older you get.

Stay Safe and Shaded Under a Patio Cover, Screen Enclosure, or Arizona Room

No more hiding in the air-conditioned house. Covered spaces like porch and patio covers, screened-in enclosures, or Arizona rooms offer shade from the beating sun while still allowing outdoor air to flow through, maximizing your ability to stay cool and keeping you safe from the harmful effects of the sun. Covers and enclosures also provide additional living space, creating the perfect area for entertaining guests, hosting a family game night, or relaxing with a good book. Enjoy the fresh air, without the intense heat!

Stay cool and safe this summer under a Patio Enclosures® patio cover or screen enclosure! Contact us today to schedule your free, in-home estimate! Our trained Patio Enclosures design consultant will assess your space, listen to your ideas, and develop a personalized plan so you can create your dream summer oasis.