Don’t Get Trapped!

Well folks, the long delayed heat of the summer is upon us. Especially while our bodies are getting accustomed to the heat it is tempting to stay in the nice air conditioned space. I feel that temptation same as all of you and love some good air conditioning, but I know that staying inside is going to leave me with depression and cabin fever, which are a lot less fun to deal with than heat. That being said, how do we brave the heat?

The sun is the factor with overheating that we can control the most. Going out early in the morning feels nice even in July and August, and the temperature is tolerable after 9 PM most of the summer. Unless you have medical problems with heat, don’t try to run from AC to AC. Enjoy the heat for a second and then enjoy–way more–the feeling of cooling off in AC. I bought a hood and cooling sleeves from cold factor for less than $20 each that not only get cold when I get them wet, but they block the sun so I don’t have to apply sunscreen.

Make sure to pack more water than you need, and if you’re going on a long trek in the heat that you bring electrolytes that have sodium, magnesium, potassium, of chloride in them. Liquid IV is a good store brand, our favorites are just ingredients which we keep in stock or relyte. Without replacing the electrolytes you’re sweating you will have unquenchable thirst!

Two cheats to braving the summer: plan trips to Mt Charleston, NV (40 minutes away), San Bernardino Forest, CA (4 hours away), or Cedar City and Dixie National Forest, UT (3 hours away) the temperature is significantly lower in these areas and I’m always saving them for summer getaways so I don’t feel condemned to suffer in the inferno of Las Vegas. Lastly, while this isn’t outside, ice skating is an excellent escape for the heat and there’s skating rinks all over town. Even if you just take your kids to go and you sit inside, it’s almost cold enough you need a jacket in skating rinks!

I hope these tips get you outside more often. This is the easiest time of year to get the morning sun that will improve your sleep and hormones. Being in nature is great for depression, stress, and improving overall mood. If you’d like more ideas on summer activities, ask our doctors. They love being outside, and they have secret spots to have an enjoyable experience in the summer!

Photo by Fabio Partenheimer