Keep Cool in the Heat Wave

Almost one-fifth of Americans' spending on utilities goes toward keeping cool, but the total doesn't have to be that high, reports USA Today. With most of the US in the grip of a heat wave, some pointers for becoming less reliant on less air-conditioning and lowering your electric bill:

• Get wet: Running cool water over pulse points in your wrists and splashing your face or temples can lower your body temperature.

• Dress lightly: Cotton, linen, and seersucker are fashion staples in hot climates for a reason.
• Eat lightly: Multiple small meals ask less of your body than a single heavy chow-down.
• Spice heavily: Break out the peppers to break a sweat—the evaporation process has a cooling effect.

For more tips, including pointers from the EPA, click here. (More heat stories.)