Collegiate Times

It's another summer in Blacksburg, and a hot one at that. So how do the almost-deserted town's remaining inhabitants have fun while keeping cool? Here are some tips that you might find useful to beat the heat and still have a good time.

First off, if you are going to try to stay cool in the sun, you need to know a few tricks of the trade. Sure there are swimming pools, cold showers, all of those are victims of the obvious. We all know to stay hydrated, wear hats and keep the sunblock on heavy. But maybe you didn't know a few of these tricks to keep your temperature down.

Ever notice how a lot of times you feel strangely hot after a big meal? It's not just because the food was warm. If you eat bigger protein-filled meals, your body is forced to jumpstart its metabolic force, making you feel warmer. Break up your big meals into smaller, more frequent meals. It's better for you anyway, and you will feel much cooler in the long run.

Eat to sweat. That's right. Some people will put negative connotation with sweating, but it helps your body temperature. Think about it: India and Thailand serve some of the hottest food, and they are a few of the world's hottest countries.

Though still debatable, scientists are finding that spicy foods will make you sweat without raising your body temperature. It's due to a chemical called capsaicin, which can be found in spicy things, hot peppers, for example. When your skin dampens from the sweat, you will feel cooled because of the evaporation on your body. Try local Mexican restaurants like El Rodeo, Cabo Fish Taco, and El Guadalupe. Just be sure you have a good deodorant.

We've all seen them: the people walking around looking like they have been in a wet T-shirt contest because of the sweat stains on their backs, stomachs and underarms. These areas are prone to the sweat and make us feel unbearably sticky. Pick some fabrics that won't cling when they get damp or wet from sweat. Cotton is always a good option, but I would stay away from synthetics. Wear the lighter colors, pastels and whites to avoid absorbing the sun's heat.

Many college students are tight for cash, and with gas prices skyrocketing the bills keep coming ... especially the one for air conditioning. to keep the bills down a little and keep you cool all night, fill a gallon jug 3/4 full of water and put it in the freezer and when it's frozen, stick it right behind a fan turned on high before you go to sleep. Take the cap off the jug and in the morning you can enjoy an ice-cold beverage when you wake up.

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