6 Super Tips to Beat the Heat and Stay Cool
The spring and summer months are full of fun and sun, but with the sun comes the heat. The summer heat can be dangerous to us all, especially our pets, the young, poor, and elderly. Heat illnesses are caused by a combination of Dehydration and prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures. Heat illnesses can be divided into many different conditions like Heat rash, Heat cramps, Heat exhaustion, and Heat Stroke. Heat Stroke can be deadly, however, it can be easily prevented. We have assembled 6 Super Cool Tips to help you or your loved ones beat the heat.
1. Drink plenty of fluids. Your body’s mechanism of cooling itself off is by sweating. The body is unable to cool itself off as efficiently in hot and humid temperatures. When sweating, you are losing mainly sodium and water. It is important to replace your electrolytes and fluids to keep the body balanced and to avoid dehydration or a heat-related illness. Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Drink a quart of fluids an hour or drink enough water to prevent thirst. Avoid alcoholic beverages the day before or the day of. If your doctor has told you to limit fluids because of a health condition, be sure to check with them about how much extra you need to drink when the temperature rises.
2. Use cooling aids and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Excess, dark or tight clothing holds in heat and doesn't let your body cool properly because it inhibits sweat evaporation. The use of cooling aids such as personal misters, cooling towels, cooling hats, and cooling bandannas will help maintain your comfort and a healthy body temperature while exposed to high temperatures.
3. Seek Shade or a cooler place. Being in an air-conditioned building, even for just a few hours, is one of the best ways to prevent heat exhaustion. If your home doesn't have an air conditioner, consider spending time at a library or shopping mall. At the very least, find a well-shaded spot. Fans alone aren't adequate to counter high heat and humidity.
4. Maintain a well-balanced diet. Eat at least five cups of fruits and vegetables per day for optimum health, as they all contain various levels of water and the all-important nutrient potassium.
6. Avoid sunburn. If you're going to be outdoors, wear a lightweight, wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun, and apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. Having a sunburn reduces your body's ability to rid itself of heat.
With temperatures rising, so does the risk of heat-related illnesses. Know the signs and symptoms of heat illness like Muscle Cramps, Nausea, Vomiting, Headaches, Dizziness, Dry Mouth, Lightheadedness, Skin not as elastic, and Dark urine color. These signs can indicate the onset of heat illness. Be cautious and remember these six tips and your summer days will be safe and comfortable.
