Coping with Summer Heat

The dog days of summer are finally here. Don’t you love them? There are a few things you can do in order to combat the heat. Why not enjoy a popular summer activity, swimming. If you don’t have a pool in your backyard, head to the lakes, rivers or community pools in your area.

In Idaho we have been through a heat wave and suffered some extreme temperatures. Because we’re accustomed to freeze most of the year the temperature can raise many concerns. Living through a heat wave is not easy and can be unbearable if you don’t know how to take care of yourself.

Precautions should be taken when living in or visiting extremely hot areas. Heat exhaustion may begin, leading to heat stroke. Limit activities to morning or evening when it’s cooler, drink plenty of water and seek air-conditioning.

There are things to do to ensure you and your family are safe.

• Drink plenty of fluids, skip the tea and caffeine and opt for water and diluted fruit juices.
• Escape to a freezing world of snow…..if you can’t afford flying to the South Pole, try renting some chilling movies.
• Buy a fan. Upright electric fans are best because they are mobile.
• Wear clothing made from Hydrofil, Tactel, Aquator and Coolmax. They were created to wick moisture off your body. Don’t forget the sandals.
• Take cooler showers. Don’t use cold water because your body will only think it is hotter out when you’re done. For instant relief try spritzing yourself with a spray bottle of ice water.
• Avoid cooking heavy spicy foods in the summer. Instead have cold soups, fruit and smoothies.

Resources:
Quick and Simple
Netscape Summertime Tips
SCC Health
Extreme Heat: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety 

Water:
Water comprises almost 60 percent of your body. A lack of water can lead to serious health issues. Water flushes toxin out of vital organs and carries nutrients to your cells. One of the most important things to do when it gets hot outside is to make sure you drink enough fluids. Even if you don’t feel thirsty you should still drink because the hot weather can really zap you of fluids.

Resources:
Kids Health- drinking water - just for kids
Inch-a-Weight
Safe Water
Mayo Clinic

                       
If you’re a runner, replace water with a sports drink containing electrolytes. Don’t overdo physical exercise. Wait until early morning or evening to do your exercise unless you can find an air-conditioned facility.

Another thing to watch is drinking too much water. Drinking too much may cause death in severe cases. There are many sites on the internet that can calculate a more accurate requirement of water. The average is 8 glasses a day.

Take precautions during the summer to protect yourself from all the elements. By protecting yourself you can enjoy the summer as much as possible, it only comes around once a year.

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