"Man it's hot. It's like Africa hot. Tarzan couldn't take this kind of hot."
- Biloxi Blues

Summer is now here and you have two choices: run the A/C until you get goosebumps, but have a power bill bigger than the national debt; or sweat and hope the nice leprechaun in the Motley Crue t-shirt that has been hanging around with you for the last few hours knows the symptoms of a heat stroke. And, no, seeing a leprechaun is not one of the signs of a heat stroke. Dramatic effect - work with me people!

But if the thought of a big power bill or dying alone doesn't appeal to you, here are some tips to stay cool this summer.

Home Cool

• Cross ventilation is the key. Open windows on both sides of your apartment to allow air circulation. If you have air conditioning, make sure the cooler air can circulate freely.


• Window fans work best when blowing air out, so put your fan on the sunny side of the apartment and let it expel the hot air while pulling cool air from open windows on the shady side.


• Keep shades or curtains pulled on the sunny side of the house.


• Make your own personal air conditioner by placing a bowl of ice in front of a fan and letting it blow on you.


• If your apartment has a ceiling fan, use it.


• Avoid opening and closing the refrigerator and freezer often; as the harder they work, the more heat they put out.


• Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent. This will also save energy.


• If you get a lot of direct sunlight, think about window films to block heat. They will also keep heat from going out the windows in the winter.

Act Cool

• Exercise and do strenuous activities in the evening or early morning.


• Pace yourself.


• Keep wet -- take tepid baths or showers, dip in a kiddie pool, run through the sprinkler, go swimming.


• Put cold cloths or ice on your pulse points, especially on the neck and wrists.


• Avoid very cold showers or baths, especially after exertion, as they can cause shock.

Dress Cool

• Think light, both in color and in fabric.


• Natural fabrics like cotton are much cooler than most synthetics, although there are new high-tech synthetics made specifically to keep you cool.


• Hats keep the sun out of your eyes and provide some cooling shade.


• Loose fitting clothes allow air to circulate, keeping you cooler.


• The fewer clothes, the better; but make sure to be both appropriate and to protect yourself from sunburn.


• Wear sunblock. Sunburns, in addition to increasing your risk of skin cancer, inhibit the body's ability to regulate heat and may cause dehydration.

Drink Cool

• Dehydration can sneak up on you, so make sure to drink plenty of water.


• Avoid caffeinated, alcoholic or carbonated beverages, as they can speed up dehydration.


• Fruit juices and sports beverages can help replace minerals lost due to sweating, but don't overdo it. They are also full of sugar, which can cause dehydration.

Eat Cool

• Eat small, light meals.


• Eat foods high in water content, like fruits and vegetables.


• Instead of an oven, use your microwave or a toaster oven. Better yet, eat out at an air-conditioned restaurant.

When all else fails? Hang out somewhere cool: a movie theater (Why do you think summer movies do so well?), a mall, a library, a museum, or even a friend's house. Spending just a couple of hours in a cool environment will make you feel much better.