Summer is among us, which means staying cool and hydrated is a must. Here in South Georgia we know all too well how hot and humid it can get. We pray for breezes that seem to be just nonexistent, so we have to figure out ways to remain cool and keep our bodies hydrated. Here are five fitness accessories that will help you when the sun is being completely unforgiving.

1. Frog Tog / Cooling Rag
These things are absolutely amazing! Once it gets wet, it stays cool and can be worn around your neck, placed on your head, or used for anything that you want. They are perfect for athletes because you can just wet them, put back into the container, and keep in a cooler or refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

2. Double Wall Tumblers
Double wall tumblers are great for keeping your drinks cold or hot, but in this case cold. The stainless steel double wall allows your ice to not melt and your liquids to remain cool and cold for long hours at a time. This is the perfect cup or tumbler to keep handy when you know you are going to be outside or in the heat for long periods of time. You will stay hydrated and cool for sure.

3. Portable Fans
These are convenient. You can literally keep them anywhere, and they are super affordable. You just hold them in your hand while the wind from the propeller cools your face. I would personally carry them in my purse when I was in college, and once I got in class from walking across campus on those scorching hot days, I would whip out my little fan and within seconds be cooled.

4. Portable, Mini Coolers
These are more so used for sporting events such as football or softball games, tailgating, or even a fun day at the beach. You can pack waters and other beverages in them and carry them from place to place. Just add some ice to the cooler and voila! All your drinks are perfectly chilled the entire time.

5. Chill Bands
Chill bands are bands that you are able to wear on different parts of your body. They work similar to a frog tog or cooling rag but can be tied around your arms, legs, or neck. Depending on how hot it is outside or how hot your body is, the bands may not stay cold forever, but they do stay cold long enough to cool you down.

8,081 heat-related deaths occurred in the U.S. from 1999 to 2010.

More people are killed by heat in the U.S. than are by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and lightning combined.

Almost all heat-related deaths occurred during May–September.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Muscle cramping
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting

Written by: Hillary Griffin