Safe in the Sun

In case you never leave the home and do not watch the news, it is really really hot outside.  On top of the heat is a thick layer of humidity. This is my favorite weather as long as I am not required to wear pants.  Many of you are heading out for the weekend to partake in some fun in the sun activities. If you are one of my avid readers then you know I just recently posted a blog containing tips to beat the heat, however there were a few things I left out in regards to safety.  So read up and have a great weekend.

Top Tips to stay safe in the sun:

•   Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.  If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot. 

•  Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. Those actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.

  Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

• Infants and young children
• People aged 65 or older
• People who have a mental illness
• Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. 

• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours
• Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
• Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels)

Bottom Line:  Experts say even if you're physically fit avoid working out in the middle of the day, and stay in the shade as much as possible. Otherwise, heat stress and exhaustion can progress to the life-threatening heat stroke.