Summertime is the season for playing on the beach and getting outdoors with friends, but when the sun gets too hot, it can actually be unhealthy to be outside. Of course, no one can stay inside all of the time, so be prudent when temperatures rise, and consider these suggestions for safe fun in the sun.
1. This being summer, you may be invited to gatherings that involve outdoor activities, such as swimming and picnics. Even if it would normally be enjoyable to attend such parties, there is a real health risk when the weather is very humid and intensely hot. Know your limits, and if it’s beyond what is comfortable to you, move inside where it’s cool.
2. When you do go outside on a hot day, it’s imperative that you keep a bottle of cold water with you at all times. Pop it in the freezer for awhile before you go out so you know it’s extremely cold, and remember to take sips as you go along all day. Stay hydrated by drinking water even if you aren’t that thirsty, since on a hot day, overheating is a very real possibility.
3. Your company may allow you to wear casual clothing year-round, but if you must wear business attire to work, there are some summer-friendly choices you can make. Outfits made of light fabrics that are loose-fitting will feel more comfortable during hot months, and short sleeves are a better choice in the summer as well.
4. Exercise caution when you must be outside doing work during a heat wave. Yard work such as mowing the lawn has to be taken care of, but do it first thing in the morning or later at night when it’s cooler. During the middle of the day, when the sun is at its brightest, you take the risk of over-heating.
5. Make sure you check up on elderly neighbors, friends and relatives. If people you know don’t have air conditioning, there may be “relief centers” set up in your town where they can go to keep cool on intensely hot days. Keep your pets indoors during this time and make sure to keep an eye on their water bowl, since they may be extra thirsty in very hot weather.
So, while summer is usually a time for outdoor activities with friends, it’s prudent to exercise extra caution on extremely hot days. Staying in when you can will prevent your getting overheated, and bringing water with you if you must venture out will keep dehydration at bay. Keeping these simple steps in mind will help you stay healthy during a heat wave.
Ruth Williams has written on more than 100 topics. Among them are health, family, and educational topics like the value of online college degrees, financial aid, and online colleges best suited to working adults.
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