Stay Cool and Healthy: Essential Tips for Surviving Summer Heat Waves

Summer Heat Waves: How to Stay Healthy When Temperatures Soar

Record-breaking heat waves have scorched the country this summer, recording triple-digit temperatures in several cities across America. The uncomfortableness of the sweltering heat isn’t the only issue though. These unprecedented heat waves also pose a major health threat, especially to the elderly, people with chronic conditions, and children under 4-years-old.

If you find yourself exposed to the extreme heat this summer, it’s important to take precautions to keep cool in order to avoid overheating and possibly jeopardizing your health. Potential heat-related health dangers include dehydration, respiratory disease, heat cramps, heat rash, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and kidney damage.

Here are a few tips to help you stay hydrated and healthy during summer’s heat waves:

Take Advantage of Air Conditioning

Not surprisingly, air conditioning is the ideal way to beat the summer heat. Even if you don’t want to run your own cooling system, head out to the mall, library, movies, favorite store, or local cooling center, and enjoy the cool environment. The World Health Organization recommends spending at least two to three hours every day in a cool place like an air-conditioned building.

Stay Hydrated

It’s important to stay hydrated in the summer heat. Drink lots of fluids, especially water, and avoid alcoholic beverages and drinks high in sugar. Sports drinks can help to replace salt and minerals lost through perspiration. While daily recommended fluid intake varies by age, sex, and weight, the general guideline is drinking 125 ounces for men and 91 ounces for women.

Read: Easy Ways to Stay Hydrated in the Summer Heat

Take Cold Showers

Keep your body temperature down with cold water. Taking a cold shower or bath will help to keep you cool. You can also apply cold packs or wet towels to the body.

Eat Lighter Meals

Did you know that eating light will help to keep you cool? Food intake and digestion generate heat in the body. Choosing meals on the light side like salads or sandwiches will help you avoid increasing heat through the metabolic process.

Limit Outdoor Activities

If you need to get outside during the summer heat wave, make sure to do it during the cooler hours of the day, like early morning or after the sun goes down. Avoid strenuous activities and stay in the shade when possible.

Check on Friends and Family

On those extra hot days make sure to check in on your family members and friends, especially those that are alone, elderly, or have preexisting health conditions. Familiarize yourself and your loved ones with the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness, which can include heavy sweating, cold, clammy or, dry skin, pale or red appearance on the skin, fast, weak pulse, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, and fainting or passing out.

Don’t let the heat be a roadblock to your summer fun. Take the proper precautions to keep cool and stay healthy despite the weather.