The summer months can be unbearable, especially if you’re dealing with a heat wave. The scorching sun and humidity make it difficult to function normally and enjoy the outdoors. From dry air affecting your respiratory system to drinking vast amounts of water to stay hydrated, the heat can take an undeniable toll on your body. It’s essential to be mindful of the different ways that heat affects our bodies so that we can adequately prepare for hot weather.
Stay Hydrated
It’s always important to keep your body hydrated, but even more so during the hot summer months when dehydration can quickly become a real threat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and if you plan on being outside for extended periods, ensure that you bring an insulated bottle of water with you and ensure it’s in a shaded area. Hydration is essential for those dealing with chronic illnesses and certain medications that can cause dehydration, such as diabetes or thyroid medication. The sun causes people to sweat, so it’s essential to ensure your sweat isn’t running into your eyes, which can irritate them. Keeping a bottle of water with you will help keep you hydrated, but an ice-cold drink is even better for replenishing and cooling down your body.
Wear Appropriate Clothing In The Heat
Despite the simple fact that common sense should dictate what kind of clothing to wear in hot weather, many people fail to do so and put themselves at risk for heat exhaustion or worse. If you decide to wear clothing that is still warm outside, try not to wear it for more than an hour or two, as this will cause your body temperature to rise, and you could risk overheating and dangerous conditions. While wearing heavy, loose-fitting fabric can limit sweating, exposing a lot of skin when being active in scorching weather can create additional problems for your health. Wearing your clothes instead of letting your skin breathe can make it more challenging to maintain an appropriate body temperature for a long time.
Protect Your Skin
It’s not just your skin that takes a beating from the summer heat. The sun can harm sensitive contacts, and prolonged contact can burn your skin. Hide your sensitive contacts in a hole, behind sunglasses, or by covering them with a contact solution. If you are prone to sunburn, use sunscreen regularly and avoid long periods of direct sunlight. Ultra-violet rays can lead to skin cancer and premature aging, so use sunscreen and cover-up. Avoid getting overheated. Wear a hat if you need to, but try not to create too much barrier for your body heat. Please pay special attention to the neck and ears, as this is one of the most common places for people to unknowingly burn themselves on a hot summer day.
Service Your Air Conditioning Unit
While air conditioning can be a lifesaver on a warm day, it can also cause dehydration. When you get too cold, the body tends to reduce the blood flow to your extremities to keep your vital organs warm. Ensure your air conditioner or fan is maintained correctly and kept clean to avoid dehydration and subsequent hypothermia due to lack of blood circulation. Call an air conditioner maintenance service to ensure the unit is properly working. Also, make sure your home’s thermostat is working properly. Air conditioning units can easily become overworked and worn out, so use the thermostat to adjust to the hot temperatures inside your house.
Limit Your Physical Activity Outside
When it’s especially hot out, try not to overexert yourself; exercise early in the morning before temperatures rise and sunset. This is when you may still be able to get some fresh air without being magnified by direct sunlight exposure and extreme heat conditions. Remember that physical activity while overheating greatly increases your risk of overheating. Since children’s bodies aren’t as well-equipped as adults to regulate core temperature, outdoor activities should be conducted carefully and within safe limits during very hot days. Step outside into someplace that has cooled down significantly, such as basements or air-conditioned malls. Not only will these areas provide relief from the heat, but spending time in places where you can relax should also help reduce stress levels.
Conclusion
The summer months can be unbearable, especially if you’re dealing with a heat wave. The scorching sun and humidity make it difficult to function normally and enjoy the outdoors. From dry air affecting your respiratory system to drinking vast amounts of water to stay hydrated, the heat can take an undeniable toll on your body. It’s essential to be mindful of the different ways that heat affects our bodies so that we can adequately prepare for hot weather.
