Eat lighter, eat healthier. Think crisp salads; or fruit such as fresh strawberries, kiwi, peeled oranges, sliced peaches, melons (watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew). Or veg out on leafy greens, carrots, celery and jicama. Yogurt or low-cal dressings enhance the flavors. A cold somen salad is refreshing, too.

Drink lots of water. You need to rehydrate in the summertime heat. Tap or bottled, water can be the greatest pleasure, and health experts suggest you drink two to five times your normal intake. Avoid alcohol, and coffee and other caffeinated beverages — they tend to increase fluid loss.

Wear cotton and linen, fabrics that breathe. Avoid clinging silks, rayon or other synthetics, and select loose-fitting, lightweight garments. Tip: White outfits reflect sun; black or dark colors absorb heat.

Choose your outdoor exercise time wisely, avoiding midday. It's cooler before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m.

Be cautious of sunstroke and heat exhaustion and protect yourself with a waterproof sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15; consider jogging in areas that offer partial tree shade.

"Listen" to your heart — your heart rate can serve as a barometer of how well your body tolerates the heat. Your heart will beat faster in heat and humidity, so reduce and pace your activity.

Transport your thoughts to colder climes by scouring your video collection or visiting your rental outlet to stage an at-home cool-movie night. You can pick "Ice Age" for kids, "Fargo" for adults, or "Ice Station Zebra" or "Cliffhanger" for a mixed audience. Just avoid "Lawrence of Arabia," "Three Kings" and other flicks set in the desert.

Stay indoors. It's generally cooler inside than out.

Do double duty with your water sprinkler. Water the yard (late in the day), but allow the kids to frolic and soak in the spray.

Forget the diet and have a frosty treat, such as shave ice or an ice-cream cone.

If your home has a basement (few here do), go underground, where it tends to be 10 to 15 degrees cooler.

Take a cold shower and save on your electric bill in the process.

Conjure water games for kids. If you don't have water pistols, use squirt bottles to splish or splash. Or fill balloons with water, for a balloon toss game. And haul out that inflatable backyard pool.

Draw the blinds or curtains during the afternoon to lessen the heat, especially if you don't have a cooling fan or a room air-conditioner.

Go shopping; the supermarket and mall stores are always air-conditioned.

Refrigerate your undies for a private chill. OK, this tip is untested — but suggested by those who swear by it.