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Staying Cool

If we experience a heat wave, the problem is staying cool. But how do you stay cool, to avoid high-temperature health problems?

• Wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids, mostly water.
• Stay in the shade.
• Use fans.
• Stay indoors and in air conditioning in extreme heat. If you don't have an air conditioner, head for a mall, library, or other air conditioned public building for a few hours during the hottest part of the day.
• If you don't have air conditioning, you can also use your curtains. Curtains aren't just for looks -- they can also really help with temperature control.
  • If you keep the windows and curtains on the sunward side of your house closed, less heat from the sunlight will enter the house.
  • If you also keep the windows on the shady side of your house open, the cool air from the shade will circulate into your house.
  • As the sun passes overhead, you'll have to readjust which side of your house is open and which is closed.
• Eat light, healthy foods.