It’s that time of year again when we have to start preparing ourselves for the warmer weather. Unfortunately, for some people, the hot weather is more than just a discomfort, it can be a real danger. Particularly for people in their senior years, who may risk serious injury and even death due to a hot climate. In order to stay safe, it’s important that you practice the right safety measures to navigate the hot heat.
Drink Water
One of the most important things you can do when you’re extremely hot is to drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated will help your body stay cool, and replenish all of your hydration. When you sweat, you lose all the water inside of your body, so you have to refill your body by sipping water regularly.
In extremely hot conditions, you may even want to consider sipping electrolyte-infused drinks since this can restore minerals lost in your sweat. Above all, avoid drinking alcohol at all costs, as this can increase dehydration, and may also increase the effects of alcohol.
Stay in The Shade
Shade is essential when it comes to staying cool. If you stay in direct sunlight, then you aren’t just going to overheat, but you’re also going to get a sunburn. Ideally, you should limit your exposure to the sun during peak hours. Typically this is between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Stay inside, and after this time you can go outside as long as you have sunblock and other protective gear like sunglasses. If you don’t have any air conditioning, and your house is even hotter than it is outside, consider going somewhere like a public library or even a shopping mall where you have access to a cooler temperature.
Dress in Light Clothing
When dressing for the hot weather, you want to choose breathable light fabrics. This will allow your skin to breathe, and prevent overheating in restrictive clothes. Light clothing will reflect sunlight and help keep your body cool, so avoid wearing dark colors like black or navy. Above all, always wear a hat that can provide additional shade not only on your face but also on your shoulders and chest.
Don’t Exert Yourself
Engaging in extremely intense activities during a heat wave can be incredibly dangerous. You want to take it slow when it comes to physical exertion and take breaks whenever possible. If you start to feel yourself getting dizzy when running errands, or doing something like cleaning the house, make sure you sit down and listen to your body. Fainting could lead to hitting your head and seriously injuring yourself, so slow down when necessary, and you’ll avoid heat exhaustion.
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