Cool Hunting

It's summer. And hot. According to Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, there are an increasing number of teen and preteens who getting hyperthermia (advanced state of heatstroke). The condition occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can dissipate. Serious stuff—it's even lead to fatalities. Osaka's Kiribai Chemical Co., who invented those clever kairo hand warmers, has released a series of cooling packs to keep kids and teenagers from melting.

Heads can stay chilled thanks to the company's hat cool pack, which can be affixed to any cap. It lowers body temp by two degrees celsius (about 3°F). There's also an ice-in-a-can spray that shoots out -10 degree frost onto towels for handy face wiping. Each can contains about 70 squirts! But the best place to ice down? Necks and pits. A 15 degree cool neck wrap keeps arteries from boiling over and helps with circulation. The arm pit packs help reduce body heat in the chest. Kiribai recommends using both together for best results. So cool. Literally.

by Brian Ashcraft