Summer months can be really difficult on people who don’t adjust well to heat and are not prepared. I put together some common sense hot weather advice for anyone who will venture outdoors during the summer.
Apparel
- Wear light-fitting, breathable clothing
- Look for bright colors and whites to help reflect the sun’s rays.
- Wear well-ventilated shoes and socks.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Wear a good set of sun glasses
Family Members
- Older family members are more susceptible to heat, so even if you’re ok, make sure to check on your elderly family members as well.
- HOT CARS – Cars get extremely hot really quick during the summer months, so don’t forget about your kids and make sure you don’t leave them in a hot car. It seems common sense, yet year after year children are left in cars for hours and the outcomes are often fatal.
Nutrition
- Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, as they pull water out of the body.
- Drink 1 to 3 glasses of water before heading outside, then continue drinking water at 20-minute intervals, even if you’re not aware of being thirsty.
Medications
- If you are on high blood pressure or heart medication, remember that you may feel the effects of heat more keenly, so take extra precautions. Also ask your doctor if your medications need adjusting during the warmer months.
Exercise
- Be cautious while walking or exercising in the heat. Stick to shady areas whenever possible.
- Avoid the sun between noon and 3 p.m., when it’s the most intense.
- Exercising in the heat can be very taxing, so you may need to adjust your workout load accordingly.
Pets
- If you have pets, make sure you protect them from the heat as well.
- Don’t walk your pets on hot pavement as it can burn their paws
- Don’t leave your pets in a car
Pools, Rivers, Lakes and Oceans
- Drowning is still a top cause of death for young kids, so make sure your kids know how to swim and are properly educated in water safety.