TOPS’ 10 ways to beat the heat

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Taming the season’s high temperatures with safe activities, hydration and light food will help you stay happy and healthy, according to the Take Off Pounds Sensibly Club, a nonprofit weight-loss support organization.
TOPS says that following these tips, even on summer’s hottest days, will help.
1. Plan ahead to be active when the sun isn’t at its peak. Get out early to garden in the morning or take slow laps with your dog later at night, when the temperature is lower.
2. Spritz yourself. Keep a spray bottle in the refrigerator and when you come in from outside, give yourself a cool and refreshing spritz. As the water evaporates, it helps bring body temperature down.
3. Lighten up. Instead of a giant hamburger, opt for a fresh summer salad for lunch, which is easier for your body to digest and won’t leave you feeling sluggish in the summer heat.
4. Embrace the aquatic life. Consider trying any number of water-centric activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, water aerobics or swimming.
5. Stay hydrated. It’s easy to become so preoccupied with summertime fun that you forget to drink enough water. Keep a water bottle handy, or cool off with hydrating fruits, like watermelon.
6. Go bare (foot, that is). Not only is running around without shoes more playful, it can also keep you cooler. Shuck your shoes, but watch your step.
7. No A/C? No problem. Head off to the mall to get walking in and do some window shopping to boot.
8. Freeze fresh fruit, like blackberries or blueberries, and use it to chill your iced tea or flavor your water.
9. Cool your whole body, creatively. Dip a towel in cold water and apply to pulse points (the underside of wrists and the back of the knees and neck).
10. Stay sun-savvy. Educate yourself on what SPF sunscreen to use, what UVA and UVB protection times are, and how much sunscreen you should apply to each part of the body.
TOPS Club is a weight-loss support and wellness education organization. Founded more than 66 years ago, TOPS promotes successful weight management with a “Real People. Real Weight Loss.” philosophy that combines support from others at weekly chapter meetings, healthy eating, regular exercise and wellness information.
Visitors are welcome to attend their first TOPS meeting free of charge. Membership is $32 per year, plus nominal chapter fees. To find a local chapter, view www.tops.org or call 800-932-8677.