{"id":13565,"date":"2026-05-26T11:25:40","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T16:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/?p=13565"},"modified":"2026-05-26T11:25:41","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T16:25:41","slug":"surviving-a-midwest-summer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bluekc.com\/blueprint\/healthier-living\/surviving-a-midwest-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"Surviving a Midwest summer"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you grew up in the Midwest, you know summer can be miserable. The sun, heat, and humidity can take its toll. But you can outsmart an oppressive summer with these best practices to optimize your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drink water, then drink some more<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Water hydrates our bodies, and when we don\u2019t get enough \u2013 especially when physically active or during a day in the sun \u2013 our bodies can respond with brain fog, mood change, headache, dizziness, heart palpitations, low blood pressure, overheating, or heatstroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get hydration strategies to help you float through summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Sip, swig, chug your way to hydration<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n


Protect your skin from the sun<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A healthy glow isn\u2019t so healthy if it\u2019s the result of too much time in the sun. Sunscreen, SPF clothing, and shade are your best defense against summer sun. How much sunscreen do I apply? What SPF do I use? And what does SPF even mean?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get answers to these and other searing questions about sun protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Protecting your skin from the sun this summer<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n


Know the signs of heat-related illness and how to prevent it<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You know a hot day when you meet it. But when uncomfortable heat transitions to feeling dizzy, nauseous, or confused, you need to recognize what you\u2019re dealing with and act quickly. Better yet, be prepared by practicing good heat hygiene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t let the heat melt you down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Heat-related illness awareness and prevention<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n


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