June is here and that means the blazing summer weather is upon us. When this time of year comes around emergency rooms see a spike in heat related illnesses like heatstroke. Fortunately there are simple steps we can take to help us avoid these problems and enjoy the summer sun in a healthy way.
1. Stay hydrated- it might seem obvious to drink plenty of water in hot weather but it can be easy to get busy and forget. It’s also important that the fluids be cool and refreshing. In addition, certain drinks actually make you more dehydrated like alcohol and diet soda. Having a thermos that will keep your water cold and ready to go is a great way to enjoy summer activities without getting sick or feeling faint.
2. Wear sunscreen- melanoma rates are rising each year which makes wearing sunscreen during the summer an important practice. Even every day activities like driving can expose skin to the sun and cause burns so a daily regiment of applying sunscreen is recommended during the summer. Also getting sun burns is uncomfortable and painful and who wants that?
3. Avoid mid-day exercise- while it can’t always be helped, heatstroke is less likely to be a problem if we avoid heavy exertion in the middle of the day when it is hottest. Especially in humid climates where thirst ques can be a easier to ignore, planning athletic activities for the morning and evening will make for a better time and less likely to have heatstroke.
4. No parked cars- in the summer sun a parked car becomes practically a sauna. Never leave anything in a parked car in the summer heat and that includes animals and children.
5. Take cold bath- if you do start to feel the effects of heatstroke treatment centers on bringing your body to a normal temperature. The best way to do this is to immerse yourself in cold water. A bath of cold or ice water has been proven to be the most effective way of doing this. “The quicker you can receive cold water immersion, the less risk of death and organ damage”
What do you like to do to stay cool and happy in the summer sun? We’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments section.
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