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With the cooler months now behind us, it’s time to be ready for hotter temperatures. It can easily creep higher than 30 C during the summer months and you should have a plan in place on how you’ll beat the heat!
It’s important to drink plenty of fluids as it is easy to become dehydrated when it is hot outside. Water is essential, and it is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can all contribute to dehydration. You can also consume water-rich foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, and strawberries.
Avoid being outside during the peak heat hours of the day, typically from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Seek shade whenever possible and limit outdoor activities or exercising to early in the morning or into the evening.
Dress appropriately by wearing lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-coloured clothing. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton or moisture-wicking materials and wear a wide-brimmed hat, baseball cap, and sunglasses when outdoors.
Stay cool indoors by using fans or air conditioning if available. Close curtains or blinds during the hottest part of the day, and take cool showers or use damp cloths on your neck and wrists. Remember, during heat waves most municipalities will offer facilities to cool down.
Infants and young children, seniors, pregnant women, outdoor workers, athletes and people with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to hot weather conditions such as heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and headache. If you experience any of those symptoms, act quickly before the situation becomes much more dangerous.
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Photo Credit: ID 148823657 © Antonio Guillem | Dreamstime.com
