7 THINGS

7

WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT

1 Homemade Ice Cream: A workout and a

sweet, cold treat in one? They really had it figured out in the good ol’ days! Get the entire family in on the fun and crank out some fresh, homemade ice cream to cool off in the middle of a sweltering day. (I’ll take vanilla if you’re offering!) 2 Splash Pad: Don’t have room for a pool? These inflatable mats leave just enough water to cool you off but without the need to dive in. The best part? You can find them for under $50 at your local store, or score one on Amazon.

3 Have a Sweet Summer Snack: You probably

already know that staying hydrated helps keep you cool, but practicing what you preach can be a little more difficult. If eight cups of water a day sounds like a chore, try adding produce with high water content into your diet, like watermelon or cucumbers.

4 Explore a New (or Old!) World: Sometimes

the best way to beat the heat is to get out of it—and into another world! Head over to your KC Public Library branch to browse beloved books, both new and old, with the family. Want to get some steps in? Take an afternoon to explore the Nelson-Atkins

Museum of Art. 5 Check Your Fans: Did you know your fan has more than one operating mode? In the summer, your ceiling fan should rotate counterclockwise to push cool air down to the floor, helping cool you off without cranking up the AC (and your utility bills)! 6 Focus on Fresh: Fresh ingredients don’t just taste better in the warmer months, they feel better too! Kitchen appliances like your oven can really heat up the room. Try mixing in oven-free recipes like salads, smoothies, and—for a sweet treat—no-bake cookies!

7 Switch Up Your Summer Wardrobe: The

sky isn’t the only thing sporting a brighter color! Did you know wearing lighter colors attracts less heat? Switch up your favorite winter hues for whites, lights, and all the sweat-friendly materials you can get your hands on!