It’s hot, hot, HOT!

If you are anywhere near the Midwest right now, you know just how hot it is, and there is no apparent end in sight.  So, in honor of this sweltering heat, we’ve sourced some of the best tips on how to stay cool.

• The Mayo Clinic staff produced this article on how to stay cool while exercising outside, “Heat and Exercising: Keeping Cool in Hot Weather.”  Hot weather adds extra stress to your body, which can be troublesome when exercising and already raising the temperature of your body.  In order to counter the heat, they suggest watching the temperature outside and exercising during the early morning or later evening hours.  Also, acclimate yourself to the heat before going into an all out sprint.  Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing can also help, plus drinking plenty of fluids.  Dehydration is the key factor in heat illness, and it’s best to drink lots and lots of water – yet avoid alcoholic beverages. 

• InStyle Magazine, in their “10 Ways to Stay Cool” feature proclaimed, “You don’t need us to tell you that a ponytail feels lighter than a heavy, down do. But we can tell you why. Keeping your neck cool helps regulate your body’s overall temperature. So slick up your hair like Joy Bryant.”  They also suggest sipping on a mint drink or nibbling on mint leaves, “The menthol in mint triggers the skin’s cold receptors, which is why the herb is cooling when applied topically, eaten—or sipped on the rocks with club soda and lime juice.”  InStyle provides some other interesting beauty tips for the heat; click the link above to check them out. 

• To keep your house as cool as possible, and keep your air-conditioning bills in check, follow some of these tips from the blog, Leave Debt Behind.  The blog suggests using fans, turning up your thermostat when you are not in the house, closing shades/blinds and changing the air filter in your A/C.  

• Then, of course, there is the tried and true method of a Pool Day!

>> How do you beat the heat, or at least deal with it?  Let the community know by replying to this story. 

See you at the pool!

From Rookie to Runner

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, “Adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.“  And with spring upon us and summer around the corner, it’s a great time to head outside and get moving.

A fun way to enjoy the company of others or engage in some friendly competition is to participate in a local run or walk.  Some are super competitive, but some are as easy as a stroll in the park. There really is something for everyone.

To find a run or walk in your area, visit our compiled list of events in Wichita, Topeka, Kansas City, Lawrence and Central Kansas.

If you want to set a goal of running your first 5K, check out the Couch-to-5K® plan from coolrunning.com.  

>> Let us know about a race or walk in your community by selecting Reply above.

Erin from Topeka, KS replied:
Florence Crittenton – One Step One Girl 5K Run/Walk.
This event takes place at Lake Shawnee. A beautiful paved course through the Ensley Gardens, following the lake shoreline. All proceeds from this event benefit the young ladies at Florence Crittenton Services in Topeka, Kansas. Check out the website for more information!

Thanks for letting us know about this event. We’ll add it to our list on the Women’s Way Run/Walk page as the event gets closer!