It’s sweltering across the U.S., which is pretty much on par for July. But as temperatures get over 90 degrees, heat-related illnesses soar. It’s no joke: about 400 Americans die annually from the heat. That more people than the combined deaths from floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes, winter storms, and extreme cold from 1994 to 2003.
Elderly people, small children, those with weight or alcohol problems, people on certain medications or drugs need to practice extra precaution. Here are some tips for everyone to follow.
Stay cool in the heat
- Drink up: Down lots of water–two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) each hour, whether you’re thirsty or not. And skip the booze; it dehydrates.
- Replace salt and minerals: If you’re sweating up a storm, drink a sports beverage or some juice.
- Wear a hat: Protect your face from sunburn and stay cooler overall with a wide-brim hat.
- Dress for success: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Slather on the sunscreen: There’s more than the “ouch” factor at play here: sunburn screws up your body’s cooling mechanisms and dehydrates you.
- Slow down, buckaroo: Why don’t you reconsider that midday run or gardening until it cools off a few degrees? And pace yourself. If you’re gasping or feeling dizzy, get indoors and drink liquids right away.
- Know when to get help: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and help others who might be confused because of their condition.
- Use common sense: Your brain is there for a reason–take care of yourself!
Susan G.
I had heatsroke last summer. Thanks for sharing this.
13 July 2010 at 9:44 am