With the Fourth of July just around the corner, and heatwaves sweeping the country, we’ll take a look at ways to stay cool and maintain your wellness in the summer sun.
Overheating can be dangerous-- aside from the most intense side effects, excessive heat can make us feel nauseous, dizzy, weak, dehydrated, and just plain uncomfortable.
Beating the Heat
Here are some tips to remember when temperatures rise:
Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. Even a short amount of time can do a lot of damage.
Even without A/C, use some natural cooling methods that can be found anywhere. A cold shower or even some downtime in the shade can help lower body temperature.
Wear loose, protective clothing and apply sunscreen of SPF-30 or higher. A hat can help protect your face as well.
Restrict activity in the peak heat of the day. This means from 11 am to 3 pm, simply take it easy.
Recognize heat exhaustion. Clammy skin, a cold stomach, dizziness, and muscle aches all point to heat exhaustion. If you’re feeling excessively bad, don’t hesitate to seek medical help.
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration goes hand-in-hand with excessive heat, and staying hydrated can help mitigate the symptoms of heat exhaustion.
In general, just keep an eye out on especially hot days and make sure to check in with younger children and the elderly in your area. Summer days are fun and it’s nice to enjoy the outdoors, but always lookout for excessive heat and stay safe.