Beating the Heat

As temperatures climb, so does your risk of heat-related illness. Effects can range from mild discomfort to life threatening heat stroke. Older adults, infants, and people with chronic illnesses are most vulnerable.

When the temperature reaches 90′F or above:

• Stay out of the sun. Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, noon to 4 p.m.
• Limit your activity. Reserve vigorous exercise or activities for early morning or evening.
• Dress properly. Wear a large brimmed hat and light colored, light weight, loose fitting clothing that breathes. Don’t go shirtless a sweaty shirt will keep you cooler than bare skin.
• Drink plenty of liquids. Fluids help you sweat, which is your body’s way of cooling off. Drink lots of water, juice or sports drink. Avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that promote fluid loss through urination.
• Avoid hot, heavy meals. They increase your metabolism, causing an increase in your body temperature.
• Keep it cool. Set your air conditioner between 75 and 80′F. If you don’t have an airconditioner, take a cool bath or shower once or twice a day and visit airconditioned public places.

source: Mayo Clinic

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 5th, 2009 at 2:58 am and is filed under HEALTH TIPS. 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.