Tips To Help You Survive Our Current Heatwave

We can’t control the weather, unfortunately. Thank goodness for air conditioning. It’s truly a life saver in weather like this. I don’t know what I’d do without mine. I hope you’re also finding a way to limit your exposure to the current heat wave sweeping the country. Still, even the most reclusive of us have to venture out once in a while. Here are a few survival tips.

Dress appropriately. Wear clothing that is lightweight and light-colored. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. White is the best light reflecting color. It is also a good idea to wear hats or to use an umbrella. Also keep your convertible top up on your car during the high heat of the day.

Drink lots of water. Carry water with you and drink continuously even if you do not feel thirsty. A little lemon in your water can be very cooling and refreshing. Soda and teas don’t have the same hydrating power as water and can actually make you feel worse because the caffeine make you urinate more and dehydrate you. Avoid alcohol, even an ice-cold beer because it also will dehydrate the body.

Eat small light meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein which increase metabolic heat.

Don’t use salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Slow down. Don’t participate in strenuous activity. If you must perform strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Stay indoors as much as possible. When outdoors seek a cool place or shade whenever possible.

Take regular frequent breaks when engaged in physical activity on warm days. Take time out to find a cool place. If you recognize that you, or someone else, is showing the signals of a heat-related illness, stop activity and find a cool place.

Some of the symptoms of the beginning stages of heat related illness include:

Skin that is cool, moist and pale (the skin may be red right after physical activity).

Headache.

Dizziness

Weakness or exhaustion.

Nausea.

The skin may or may not feel hot.

Some of the symptoms of late stage of heat-related illness include

Vomiting.

Decreased alertness level

Complete loss of consciousness.

High body temperature (sometimes as high as 105oF).

Skin may still be moist or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.

Rapid, weak pulse.

Rapid, shallow breathing.

These symptoms indicate a life-threatening situation for the victim. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.

Here are some additional resources for you to review to help you get through the heat.

http://www.weather.gov/om/heat/index.shtml

http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/brochures/heatwave.pdf

http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/tips/heat.html

No, we can’t control the weather, but we can all learn how to survive it. I hope these tips help you enjoy a safe and fun summer.