Tips for Keeping Your Cool in a Heat Wave

Summers are here, the temperatures are going to rise, and the days will feel longer. The weather may become unbearably hot, and there could be potential heat waves. 

Heat waves are just as dangerous as natural disasters, since they can cause heat strokes and complicate other illnesses. While it’s that time of the year when you can hit the beach shirtless, the heat could actually be risky if you don’t take proper precautions. 

That’s why you must stay well-protected during a heat wave. Here are six tips to keep your cool in a heat wave.

Stay Hydrated

One of the best ways of staying cool during a heat wave is to ensure proper hydration. Heat waves can cause dehydration and lead to heat-related illnesses, so it is crucial to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. 

Preferably, you should be reaching out to a glass or a bottle of water, but if hard-pressed to find any, you can go for sports drinks or juices as well. 

Excessive sweat causes you to lose salt content, which can be dangerous if not replenished. In worst cases, many people get heat strokes or heat cramps when dehydrated and out in the sun. 

Dehydration can cause serious problems, and if you suffer from a heat stroke, immediately call for help and check yourself into an inpatient facility, where you can get professional treatment. 

You must also avoid caffeinated beverages or alcoholic drinks, as they can cause loss of fluids. Most importantly, drink liquids even if you aren’t thirsty. Thirst is a sign of dehydration, and you shouldn’t wait for it to reach out for water. 

Stay Indoors

When the temperatures outside rise, it is important you spend more time indoors. Your body temperature will remain regulated and strong heat waves will affect you. 

If possible, try to avoid going outside during the hottest parts of the day. Staying in the shades or air-conditioned areas as much as possible is essential. 

However, if you need to be outside, keep taking frequent breaks to hydrate and get yourself under a shade. Avoid direct sunlight and always wear sunscreen with a high SPF. You can also wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect yourself from direct sunlight.

Avoid Excessive Exercise

You shouldn’t overwork or overexert in intensive bouts of exercise when there is heat wave outside. While the summers are ideal for sculpting yourself into shape, it might actually be detrimental if you go out for a run in the sweltering heat and you might suffer heat stroke. 

Excessive exercise can lead to dehydration and heat exhaustion, which can be deadly in extreme cases. If you don’t want to compromise on your fitness, it is best to stick to low-impact activities. 

Remember to hydrate as much as you can during, and especially after exercise.

Reduce Energy Use 

A smart way to keep your home cool and prevent extreme temperatures from affecting the indoors is to stop using and turning off the lights and appliances. 

Most incandescent bulbs produce a lot of heat and should remain switched off. An alternative to these bulbs is the fluorescent or LED light. 

The LEDs are energy-efficient and generate less heat in comparison. Keeping different appliances running, such as chargers or laptops, can cause unnecessary heat. 

If you want to prevent heating, you can opt for foods that do not require the use of a stove to prepare. With these few adjustments, you can make your home a lot cooler.

Wear Light Clothes

To protect yourself from high temperatures, try wearing clothes of a lighter texture. Wearing loose and breezy clothes will facilitate the evaporation of sweat on your skin, keeping you cool. 

There are many clothing options you can choose from, which can help you feel light and cool even in extreme temperatures. For example, wearing light-colored clothes, such as monochrome colors, will prevent heat absorption. 

If you have to be outdoors a lot, you can also opt for clothes that have UV protection. It will decrease the risk of your skin getting sunburnt.

Check On Others 

Heat waves can become problematic, especially for those who have to work or stay outdoors. Seniors are also at risk from heat waves. They require the most care, and you should ensure they stay protected from direct heat. 

Even those who do not have air conditioning could be at risk if alternative air circulation methods are not present, such as ceiling fans. 

Infants and children require the same level of care as the elderly. You must also look out for your neighbors and pets. With this, you can help ensure that you and your loved ones stay safe during the hottest days of summer.

Final Thoughts

While summers may be exciting and often filled with fun parties at the beach, the heat can become lethal at certain times. However, with the tips mentioned above, you can enjoy your summer and ensure that you remain protected from the fatal effects of heat waves. You must stay hydrated, avoid working, exercising, or going into the direct sunlight. You should stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as you can. Also, make sure you are wearing light clothes in the heat. Heed the warning signs your body gives, like feeling thirsty, dehydrated, or feeling low-blood pressure. Lastly, if you must venture outside in the sweltering sun, lather up on some high SPF sunscreen to avoid getting sunburns. 

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