5 tips for staying safe in the heat
With much of the Northern Hemisphere experiencing a dangerous heat wave, it seems a good time to review ways to protect ourselves during excessive heat.
Just a reminder, I am not a medical professional. I am a certified health coach interested in your wellbeing. If you need medical advice, please speak with a healthcare professional.
5 tips for staying safe in the heat
This advice comes from The National Weather Service.
- Slow down. Reduce or eliminate strenuous activity until the coolest time of day.
- Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water…cool but not icy…even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid or limit alcohol and caffeine.
- Eat light. Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, keep it in a cooler. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
- Use air conditioners or portable fans. If your home isn’t air conditioned, consider spending time in places that are, such as malls and libraries. Electric fans can exhaust hot air from a room or pull in cool air, but do not direct the air from a fan directly on you if the room temperature is more than 90° F, as the dry blowing air can be dehydrating.
Heat exhaustion versus heat stroke
Excessive heat poses a significant risk to people’s health, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, which can result in death.
Heat exhaustion
Symptoms
- feeling faint or dizzy
- sweating excessively
- nausea or vomiting
- rapid or weak pulse
- muscle cramps
What to do
- Get to a cool, air-conditioned place.
- Drink water.
- Take a cool shower.
Heat stroke
Symptoms
- throbbing headache
- confusion
- no sweating
- body temperature above 103° F
- nausea or vomiting
- rapid, strong pulse
- possible loss of consciousness
What to do
- Call emergency number (911 in the USA).
- Use cool cloths or a cool bath to bring temperature down.
- Do not give anything to drink.
Elders, infants, the sick, and pets are especially vulnerable. Keep an eye on them, and remember never to leave children or pets in the car on a hot day, even for a few minutes.
Let’s enjoy the summer while protecting ourselves and our loved ones from the dangers of excessive heat.
Your turn
- What’s the weather like right now where you live?
- Do you prefer the hot weather or cold?
- What else is on your mind? Anything at all; I just love to hear from you.
Source: https://www.weather.gov/media/owlie/HeatSafety-OnePager-11-29-2018.pdf
