10 tips to beat the heat in Waterloo Region

Environment Canada is warning of a hot week ahead, with temperatures in Waterloo Region and Wellington County expected to hold in the 30s until Friday, with humidex values upwards of 40.

But don't let the hot weather get you down: here are some tips to beat the heat!

Region of Waterloo's Public Health department suggests you:

• Drink plenty of cool liquids, especially water, before feeling thirsty. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar, caffeine and/or alcohol;
• Plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day (one of our listeners says she walks her stroller in the morning or evening and lets her baby sit on a padded insulated bag of ice if it's too hot);
• Block out the sun by closing awnings, curtains or blinds during the day;
• Never leave people or pets inside a parked vehicle or in direct sunlight;
• Frequently visit neighbours, friends and older family members, especially those who are chronically ill or live alone, to make sure that they are cool and hydrated.

The Morning Edition also got these suggestions from you:

• Put ice packs in your pockets (the reverse of the time-honoured hot water bottle at the bottom of the bed trick);
• Keep a set of pillow cases in the freezer;
• Wrap a wet bandana around two cubes of ice and put it around your neck. It cools down the entire body, is portable (and if done right; makes you look like a cowboy!);
• Fill a squirt bottle with cold water and mist yourself frequently;
• Take frequent cold showers or run ice-cold water over your arms from your inner wrists up to your inner elbows.

When Environment Canada issues a humidex warning, the City of Kitchener, City of Waterloo, City of Guelph and Region of Waterloo open cooling centres to the public. 

Have more hot weather tips? Leave them in the comments below!