It’s official – we have entered into the second half of Summer and the heat is still on. With triple-digit temperatures within reach each day, it seems like the only options for staying cool are to stay indoors in front of the air conditioner. But why get stuck inside when you can enjoy the sun while staying cool?

Join a Raft-Up Party: Take hundreds of boats and tie them up together and what do you get?  An aqua-palooza you don’t want to miss! If you’ve never been to a raft-up event before, it’s a nonstop party on the water. There’s music, hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people and plenty of booze to pass around. If you don’t have a boat or a friend who has one check out raft-up.com – the site lists hundreds of events and happenings from Florida and Kentucky to the Hamptons, and you may be able to hitch a ride!

Make Ices to Suck On in Minutes: Handcrafted cold novelties on a stick have been the rage ever since Popbar and other gourmet Popsicle brands hit the scene. The days of preparing homemade Popsicles that require overnight freezing are over.  Now, thanks to the Quick Pop Maker by Zoku, anyone can whip up a batch of mouth-watering iced lollies in less than 10 minutes. You can test out your artisanal skills in the frozen department by experimenting with juices, creamy fillings, chopped fruit and even vegetables!

Take a Cold Pool Plunge: You don’t need to join the polar bear club to reap the benefits of cold therapy. An increasing number of day spas throughout North America have cold water plunge pools which are great for the muscles and a refreshing treat in the heat. While startling at first, the transition to cold on a hot day creates a total body buzz by promoting circulation and improving vascular health. If a dip in fresh ice water gives you cold feet, opt for a cucumber facial – it will help eliminate some of the puffiness and swelling induced by the hot weather.   Plus, it is calming and feels great!

Hide Out in a Private Cabana: Why check into a posh hotel when you can escape the sun for less! Waterfront cabanas are available for rent on many public beaches, boardwalks and parks. At  Park in Pennsylvania, $200 gets you all-day use of a cabana equipped with refrigerator, table, four chairs, and two chaise lounge chairs. At Crandon Park in South Beach the day rate is less than $38 but it happens on a first come, first serve basis. Most cabanas can accommodate groups of 6-12 people, so it’s a perfect day trip to make with friends.

Load Up on Sweets and Spices: When the mercury heat rises it’s best to stick to foods that have a high water quantity like fruit, particularly sugar-packed ones which can transform easily into mouth watering and body cooling chilled soups. Pureed or chunky, cold chowders are a power-packed remedy to scorching temperatures and all you need to whip up a batch is a fridge and blender. Be sure to go heavy on the spices! Eating fiery foods increases perspiration, which cools the body down as it evaporates. Watermelon gazpacho anyone?

Double Check Your Meds: Talk to your Doctor or health care provider about any medicine or drugs you are taking. Certain medications — such as tranquilizers and anti-depressants — can increase the risk of heat-related illness. Possible signs of heat exhaustion include light headedness, dizziness and rapid pulse. In further stages, your body will stop sweating. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get out of the heat, cover yourself with damp towels, get in front of a fan or a/c and drink a lot of liquids.

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