Thursday, September 3, 2009

Keeping Cool With Patio Umbrellas and Other Summer-Ready Tricks

Summer weather on average lasts about 3 months, but even after the temperature goes down you can still get sunburned. And during the height of summer, everyone is at risk for things like hyperthermia and dehydration. But don't let that scare you into hiding indoors in the air conditioning for the rest of summer. By using patio umbrellas, some trusty gadgets and your own head, you can stay safe while having a good time.

Patio umbrellas keep the sun at bay

In summer, more than a cooler or a barbecue, the most important piece of furniture you can have in your backyard, by the pool or on your deck are patio umbrellas. The reasons are obvious: patio umbrellas protect you from UV radiation by blocking out the sun rays. Too much exposure can one day lead to melanoma, a leading type of cancer. Also, the shade provided will keep the area under the umbrella notably cooler than surrounding areas. That means your own body temperature will be lower than if you were out in the sun.

Don't be afraid to accessorize

It would be impossible to name all of the many products manufactured for keeping people cool in the summertime, but in the end it's all a matter of taste. Try one or a few different things to see what works best for you. Paired with patio umbrellas and a good pair of sunglasses, you can be cool and comfy in no time. Here are a few options of popular gizmos.

Micro beads is one innovation that's been heralded by both athletes and pet owners, but they are great for anyone staying outdoors for any length of time. This patented technology also operates using the evaporation system of cooling. The beads are formulated out of a special plastic gel-like material and these are in turn stuffed inside a synthetic fabric that is sewn into all manner of clothes, including bandannas and headbands, as well as whole harnesses for dogs. Soak the entire thing in cold water and the micro beads will stay cold much longer than fabric alone. After it begins to dry, the wearer gets benefitted by a second wave of coolness once the evaporation takes place.

Misters offer a refreshing burst of cool water and come in a plethora of sizes and designs, from small handheld fans to larger installed units. There are even trailer sized misters used for commercial purposes. The purpose of misters is to cool off your body temperature by periodically spraying yourself with cool water and allowing the water to evaporate. The way in which they operate is either manually by you flipping some sort of switch or automatically, continuously or at intervals. The water source can either be contained directly in the unit or come from an internal water source.

Use your noggin

In addition to all the many things you can buy, there's no substitute for good old common sense. Drink twice as much water as you think you need. In hot, and especially in humid weather, people can sweat up to three full liters each hour. In addition, wear loose, light colored clothing. Natural fibers like cotton also breathe better than synthetic polyester and nylon.

Tonya Kerniva is an experienced research and free lance writing professional. She writes actively about Patio Umbrellas and Outdoor Patio Umbrellas.

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