Tips to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion
Here’s what you can do to reduce your risk of heat illness:
- Exercise early in the day, before it gets too hot or after sunset.
- Manage the intensity of your activity, and take breaks when you exercise.
- Stay hydrated! Make sure to drink enough fluids, such as water or sports drinks, while you are outdoors. And do not drink alcohol or a caffeinated beverage before exercising, as they both can dehydrate you.
- Put a cold pack or cool cloth on your neck, armpits or groin.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothes.
- Wear sunscreen and reapply frequently
- Spray yourself with cool water.
- Move into the shade or go into an air-conditioned building or car.
- Do not leave children or pets in cars.
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Pay attention to warnings about high temperatures, and avoid being outdoors as much as possible on days you know will be extremely hot.
- Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. If you see signs, take immediate action.
Also, check on at-risk relatives and friends during heat waves to make sure they are able to stay cool — and to help if needed. Especially for people who don’t have air conditioning, the summer heat can quickly make living spaces dangerous.
You must be logged in to post a comment.