Summer is rapidly approaching us here at the University of
Texas at Tyler. The past couple of weeks
have seen temperatures as high as 95 degree already! Some people love the
warmth of summer, but I cannot stand the heat and humidity. Rather than embrace the heat, I prefer to
find other things to do things that will avoid the boiling temperatures. If you are like me, keep reading to get some
new ideas on what to do during the summer to have fun while still avoiding the
heat!
Showing posts with label heat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label heat. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
Beating the heat at UT Tyler
Summer is rapidly approaching us here at the University of
Texas at Tyler. The past couple of weeks
have seen temperatures as high as 95 degree already! Some people love the
warmth of summer, but I cannot stand the heat and humidity. Rather than embrace the heat, I prefer to
find other things to do things that will avoid the boiling temperatures. If you are like me, keep reading to get some
new ideas on what to do during the summer to have fun while still avoiding the
heat!
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Summer Heat at UT Tyler
Summer days are here again as the heat rises and the stress filled sweat of the past semester begins to fall. We skip and dance about in the summer sun, taking in its rays with each passing second. Yet, these summer rays are deceitful and full of lies and hate..... especially when it comes to your skin. Before leaving your apartment / house / condo / penthouse / underpass / cave, you should take the time to prepare for the intense heat the East Texas summer tends to bring. Last summer I wrote a blog on keeping cool in the summer inside your place of residence and now it's time I take a different approach to the summer.
According to statistics (these you can believe) between 1979 and 2003 there were about 8,000 heat related deaths in the United States. The heat in Texas is especially dangerous as the local weather's personality is wishy-washy to say the least. this is even true during the summer months as the weather can go from a comfortable 76 degrees (This is America so I'll use Fahrenheit) to a sweltering triple digit afternoon with high humidity and not a cloud in the sky. So I though I would put together a short but useful tip guide on how to prepare for the summer in Tyler, Texas.
Before even thinking about stepping foot outside there are a few things you must do first.
1) Check The Weather
Look up what the weather will be like for the day and separate the forecast by morning, afternoon, and
evening. the weather. this will allow you to see what the day has in store so you can plan your day accordingly. For Example: If it's supposed to be warm and sunny early in the day and rainy and muggy in the afternoon head out to the lake or swim in the pool earlier in the day. If the weather disrupts all outdoor activity you can always travel to the local movie theater and check out one of the summer blockbusters in air conditioning. Also, be aware of severe weather that the early summer can bring through the region such as lightening, thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes. It is always best to stay inside and pay attention to your local news stations in the event of severe weather.
2) Dress Accordingly
Whether you are planning on staying in all day or planning an all day hike you always need to plan your attire. Cotton is always your friend in the summer months. It's a breathable fabric that is easy to wash and care for. As most of you may know you should avoid most synthetic fibers as they are usually rough, hot, and generally uncomfortable to wear. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to keep you cool. That being said you should always think about tip #1 when dressing for a summer day in Texas. For example: if you get caught out in a summer rainstorm you want to have more than your toms and a Wal-Mart sack. Try keeping an umbrella in your car at all times just in case. Plus you can open up the umbrella even when its sunny to make some quick shade for yourself. You may think you look silly but all those onlookers won't be laughing when their skin turns red and starts to peel (too much?)
3) Mind The Sun
According to the CDC only about 58% of adults properly protect themselves against the sun through things such as applying sunscreen or simply seeking shade. Only 32% reported to using sunscreen at all. Sunscreen is one of the most important tools you can use when protecting yourself against the sun. You should apply a generous amount to any part of your body that is not covered by clothing including you nose, cheeks, and forehead. I recently made the mistake of not applying sunscreen when I was outside recently and paid for it with a nasty sunburn on my forehead. In accordance to tip #2 you should also take advantage of the many stylish wide-brimmed hats that are available at your local clothing retailer. Seriously... PROTECT YOURSELF!
4) Water Is Your Best Friend
The CDC recommends that you drink about 2 full glasses of water each hour to stay hydrated in summer conditions. Really cold ice water is not recommended after being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time as it can lead to bad stomach cramps. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages or those high in sugar as they will both further dehydrate you. Sports drinks are fine if you sweat a lot but not as a substitute for water. As you sweat you also lose important minerals such as salt which a sports drink will help to replenish. However, you should be wary of how much you drink and remember how much better water is for your overall health.
Be sure to visit the CDC's webpage on extreme heat for further information on how to stay cool and safe this summer.
According to statistics (these you can believe) between 1979 and 2003 there were about 8,000 heat related deaths in the United States. The heat in Texas is especially dangerous as the local weather's personality is wishy-washy to say the least. this is even true during the summer months as the weather can go from a comfortable 76 degrees (This is America so I'll use Fahrenheit) to a sweltering triple digit afternoon with high humidity and not a cloud in the sky. So I though I would put together a short but useful tip guide on how to prepare for the summer in Tyler, Texas.
Before even thinking about stepping foot outside there are a few things you must do first.
1) Check The Weatherevening. the weather. this will allow you to see what the day has in store so you can plan your day accordingly. For Example: If it's supposed to be warm and sunny early in the day and rainy and muggy in the afternoon head out to the lake or swim in the pool earlier in the day. If the weather disrupts all outdoor activity you can always travel to the local movie theater and check out one of the summer blockbusters in air conditioning. Also, be aware of severe weather that the early summer can bring through the region such as lightening, thunderstorms, hail, and tornadoes. It is always best to stay inside and pay attention to your local news stations in the event of severe weather.
2) Dress Accordingly
Whether you are planning on staying in all day or planning an all day hike you always need to plan your attire. Cotton is always your friend in the summer months. It's a breathable fabric that is easy to wash and care for. As most of you may know you should avoid most synthetic fibers as they are usually rough, hot, and generally uncomfortable to wear. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to keep you cool. That being said you should always think about tip #1 when dressing for a summer day in Texas. For example: if you get caught out in a summer rainstorm you want to have more than your toms and a Wal-Mart sack. Try keeping an umbrella in your car at all times just in case. Plus you can open up the umbrella even when its sunny to make some quick shade for yourself. You may think you look silly but all those onlookers won't be laughing when their skin turns red and starts to peel (too much?)
3) Mind The Sun
4) Water Is Your Best Friend
The CDC recommends that you drink about 2 full glasses of water each hour to stay hydrated in summer conditions. Really cold ice water is not recommended after being exposed to high temperatures for an extended period of time as it can lead to bad stomach cramps. You should also avoid alcoholic beverages or those high in sugar as they will both further dehydrate you. Sports drinks are fine if you sweat a lot but not as a substitute for water. As you sweat you also lose important minerals such as salt which a sports drink will help to replenish. However, you should be wary of how much you drink and remember how much better water is for your overall health.
Be sure to visit the CDC's webpage on extreme heat for further information on how to stay cool and safe this summer.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
SUPER SUMMER
Well folks, it's officially SUPER SUMMER!!!! I'm not a big fan of stepping on the new pavement they put down for the parking lots and it sticking to my feet. I'm also not a fan of sticking my head out of the window of my car like a dog since it's 150 in my car while it's only 108 outside. So, to help with your survival of the super summer here are a few helpful tips to help you get through the next few months.
 |
| Austin City Limits 2009.... SUPER HEAT!!! |
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
You Stay Hydrated, Tyler
I stepped outside of my apartment earlier this week and it dawned upon me. As I wiped the layers of sweat that had already begun to accumulate on my forehead I realized something.... Summer is upon us.
Yes you could argue that it's been summer since the end of May and all and say, "look at me, look at me! I'm right and you're wrong!" but I would end up smacking you in the most humiliating fashion. Well... I may not smack you. Perhaps a good talking to would do the trick. Anyway, you really can't call is summer in Texas (especially East Texas) until the temperature rises to the 90s. When it gets into the triple digits we like to call that Super Summer. Luckily for us Super Summer has yet to hit us. So I have decided to start a blog series on tips for surviving the dreaded SUPER SUMMER!!!
Yes you could argue that it's been summer since the end of May and all and say, "look at me, look at me! I'm right and you're wrong!" but I would end up smacking you in the most humiliating fashion. Well... I may not smack you. Perhaps a good talking to would do the trick. Anyway, you really can't call is summer in Texas (especially East Texas) until the temperature rises to the 90s. When it gets into the triple digits we like to call that Super Summer. Luckily for us Super Summer has yet to hit us. So I have decided to start a blog series on tips for surviving the dreaded SUPER SUMMER!!!