Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
Depending on where you live, summertime could mean an escape to the outdoors or an entire season of hibernating in air-conditioned malls and movie theaters. But just as winter brings dangerous snow drifts, wind chills, and icy roads, summer also poses many health risks, especially for the elderly and for people who like to stay active during the summer months. From sunburns to heat stroke and heat exhaustion to dehydration, make a plan to protect yourself from the intense temperatures this summer.
If you head to the pool or beach to cool off, be strategic about when you take a dip. It should be easy for you to get a tan at almost any point during the day, so give your body a break and avoid lying out in the hottest part of the day, from around noon to 3pm. Always wear sunscreen, even if it’s early in the day or late in the afternoon, but don’t fool yourself into thinking your skin is the only part of you that’s vulnerable to the sun. Pack plenty of water in a small cooler or insulated lunch bag, especially if you plan on drinking alcohol while you’re in the sun. Foods like watermelon, fresh berries and baby carrots or celery sticks will also help to keep you hydrated and are refreshing snacks in the heat.
Similarly, if you want to engage in any sports or other activity like jogging, riding your bike or playing tennis, choose shady parks and neighborhoods to play in, and stay indoors during the middle of the afternoon. Bring lots of water and take breaks to drink beverages fueled with electrolytes, even if you don’t feel tired. Be aware of the signs of heat stroke, which can creep up on you especially during very humid days. Symptoms include headache, muscle cramps, difficulty breathing, disorientation, dizziness and nausea, weakness, fatigue and possibly even vomiting. You need to take a rest and go indoors if you experience any of these symptoms, and you should seek medical attention if you stop sweating but still have very flushed or hot skin.
Assemble a summer first-aid kit that includes bandages, ice or cooling packs, aloe vera, sunscreen, a portable, battery-operated fan, Tylenol, and anything else you need to keep you cool and comfortable during the hot summer. Remember to take lots of breaks and continue to drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty or tired, as dehydration can occur quickly and possibly lead to a serious issue requiring medical attention.
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This entry was posted on Monday, January 26th, 2009 at 11:07 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
