Cheap ways to keep cool

There is hope for rain in a couple of weeks, but until then, we still have to cope with the scorching summer weather, which the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration says may go up to 37 degrees. You could always turn your air-conditioning up at the risk of a heart attack with your next electricity bill, but here are some cheap alternatives: Maslow's hierarchy of needs puts food, shelter and clothing first. Let's begin there. Food

Fight the urge to grab an ice cream. Despite the initial relief, ice cream will not keep you cool for long, according to this Seattle Times article. The article also says to resist the temptation to grab an ice-cold beer. Even if it is subzero, you want to keep your vasopressin flowing. Alcohol, soda, and other aerated beverages can cause dehydration. Choose juice, or good old water, instead. Spice it up Surprisingly, eating spicy food will actually work to your advantage. Sweating is the body's natural way of cooling down. Spicy food increases perspiration, cooling the body as sweat evaporates. Mellow down with melons Too spicy? Instead, opt for melons and other fruits with high water content. Try tossing a colorful mix of chopped fruits in a blender and freezing in an ice tray for some do-it-yourself refreshing ice candy, without the unhealthy sugar. Beef it up with leafy stuff Leafy green vegetables are also ideal. Popeye wasn't just building muscle with his spinach habit - he was keeping hydrated. Apart from its high water content, spinach is also a good source of magnesium. Shelter Avoid exposure to sunlight, especially between 9 am and 4 pm. We aren't vampires, so the sun won't kill us - but unlike other trying experiences, it will not make us stronger. If you must go out, protect your skin with sunblock, and stay in the shade as much as you can. Turn your lights down low Check your indoor lighting. Switch from incandescent bulbs to compact fluorescents, which don't generate as much heat. Clothing Dress appropriately. This does not mean you should dress like you're going to the beach. On the contrary, long sleeves are a better choice. Make sure to choose natural fabric that 'breathes' like cotton or linen. A simple test: Blow through the fabric. If you can feel it on the other side, it breathes. Also, put your somber clothes away for the meantime. Choose light colors that reflect light and heat. Now that the basics are covered, here are a few other tips to keep cool. A little water goes a long way Since the body radiates heat from the hands, feet, face and ears, cooling any of these will efficiently cool the body. If you're on your way out, try bringing a bottle of frozen water with you. Carrying it will help keep you cool, or try pressing it to your neck from time to time. Mint conditioning Bath time doesn't have to be boring. Have a peppermint party with mint-infused soap and shampoo for an extra-cool cleanup. Mind over matter If all else fails, feel cool vicariously. Watch films like Ice Age, Seven Years in Tibet, and, if you want to feel comparatively better off, watch Alive. Even if you're melting in this heat, at least you aren't freezing to death, right? - GMANews.TV