With temperatures soaring, how do YOU make use of these long, hot summer days?

Last week’s heat wave scorched the Midwest and East Coast and while it seems to have broken, the forecast calls for the rest of the summer to be hot, hot, HOT.

The July heat wave affected nearly 200 million people and roasted folks from Texas to the Dakotas and all the way east to Maine. Not only was it extremely hot, but also dreadfully humid, with blazing temps continuing long after the sun went down.

Records were shattered faster than you could lick a melting ice cream cone. Nationwide, 1,966 daily high maximum temperature records have been broken or tied (through July 23). Check out some of these record highlights:

• Fort Smith, AR has set a new record for the greatest number of consecutive 100 F days, with 20 through July 24.

• Newark, NJ set a new all-time record high of 108 F on July 22, breaking the old record of 105 degrees, set on August 9, 2001.

• The high of 103 F in Boston on July 22 was the city’s hottest day in exactly 85 years.

So how do you literally beat the heat?

If a heat advisory or warning has been issued, follow these important guidelines:

Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. You want to reflect the sun’s UV rays, so steer clear of any dark fabrics.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must get out for your daily jog or bike ride, go early. Your motto should be “Shun the Midday Sun.”

Wear Sunscreen! Be generous with the high SPF sunscreen and cover up with a big ‘ole hat and sunglasses.

Don’t let yourself get parched. Drink liquids constantly. If you’re thirsty, it’s too late. Avoid dehydration!

Your parked car is an oven. Never leave children or pets in the car.

Looking for something fun to do inside? Get out of the sticky heat and enjoy some of these air-conditioned activities. With Plastic Jungle’s discounted gift cards, the money you save can be spent on hand-held fans, spritzer bottles and extra popsicles!

Catch the latest flicks inside a cool movie theater! Here’s this week’s Top Box Office:

1. Captain  America: The First Avenger
2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2
3. Friends With Benefits

And here are some highly-anticipated movies opening this weekend:

• Cowboys & Aliens
• Crazy, Stupid, Love.
• The Smurfs

Check out Plastic Jungle’s movie merchants for our latest deals on gift cards: AMC Theatres, Cinema De Lux, Landmark Theatres, Regal Cinema and Fandango. Or rent a movie from Blockbuster and enjoy it in the comfort of your air-conditioned home.

Got kiddos? Treat them to an outing at Build-A-Bear Workshop or Chuck E. Cheese’s. Your children will be occupied and you can enjoy a nice reprieve from the relentless sun.Or make a stop at GameStop. For their latest deals, including price drops, bonus offers and hot games under $20, click here.

For a limited time, Build-A-Bear Workshop is offering a free Smurf’s Locker Poster when you buy any Make-Your-Own Smurf.

Want to stay cool AND get a little R&R? Indulge in a spa treatment! Plastic Jungle currently offers Spa Finder gift cards at a 5% discount. Accepted at over 6,000 spas around the globe, they can be used for the spa treatment of your choice. Go ahead – you deserve it! And be sure to ask about local discounts in your area. I live in Reno, NV and both the Peppermill and Atlantis spas offer 15% off Monday-Thursday if you show your Nevada state drivers license.

References: http://www.weather.com/outlook/wxready/articles/id-68,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/heat-wave-2011-stunning-national-statistics/2011/07/24/gIQAJ1FcYI_blog.html