Beating the Summer Heat

Summer is a time to play and relax, but it is also time to lather on the sunscreen and turn on the AC. Extreme caution needs to be taken when dealing with blistering temperatures that could be harmful to your skin and your health. This summer you can beat the heat by taking simple steps to avoid abundant sun exposure and heat illnesses that can be dangerous.

The first precaution anyone should take in being out in the summer heat is to drink lots of water. When we get hot, our bodies automatically start sweating to cool us off. But as we are sweating, we are losing more and more water. Water hydrates our body and if we lose a lot we could become dehydrated and develop a heat illness. Don’t drink anything that contains caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar because these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

Sunscreen is vital when basking out in the hot sun for even a little while. At least 15 SPF is a must. Sunburns hurt and are not fun to deal with. It is important to know how to treat a sunburn though just in case. There are many skin lotions that have aloe-based moisturizer created to treat sunburns. Also, applying a cold towel and relieve pain for a little while.

Heat illnesses are the most dangerous aspects of all when it comes to dealing with high temperatures. Heat rash, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion can all lead to a heat stroke, which can be fatal. Warning signs of a heat stroke are rapid heart beat, nausea, dizziness, throbbing headache, and hot, dry or red skin. If you develop these symptoms you need to seek emergency care immediately. Heat strokes are very dangerous and people die from them every year.

Heat illnesses are no joke. High temperatures can be very dangerous if you don’t know how to protect yourself. Young children and elderly people should take more precaution because they are more prone to sunburns and heat illnesses than others. But as long as you stay safe, wear sunscreen, and be smart about what you do, summer can still be a blast!