What are the top hot weather safety tips?
During a heat wave, there are certain things you need to do to stay safe, healthy and avoid life-threatening medical emergencies, including heat stroke.
Here are some of the top precautions that everyone should take…even healthy people:
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Know If You're In a High-Risk Group
This group includes children, the elderly, pregnant women, people who don't have access to air conditioners, people who have suddenly being exposed to hot weather without an acclimation period, people who are taking certain medications, such as those that narrow your blood vessels or beta blockers, as well as people who suffer from certain health conditions, such as heart disease, lung disease and/or obesity. If you are in a high-risk group, make sure that you drink plenty of water, and remain in a cool environment.
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Additionally, family and friends of those in high-risk groups should be sure to check up on them to make sure that they're safe and taking the steps they need to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Space Out Your Water
Of course, staying hydrated is essential to staying healthy in the heat, but you could be doing it wrong. Drink more than your usual 8-10 glasses in hot weather and don't just drink it all at one time. Space out your glasses of water throughout the day so you are constantly replenishing water loss. As a gauge, your urine should be the color of very light yellow, not dark yellow or orange and should not have a strong smell. If it does, you are probably close to being dehydrated.
Cool Off
Visit a cooling facility, enclose shopping mall, or another air-conditioned facility if you don't have access to an air conditioner.
Watch What You Drink
Avoid caffeine and alcohol as much as possible to help limit dehydration.
Keep The Action Indoors
Limit outdoor activity during peak heat hours (11am-2pm, in general). If possible, exercise indoors, such as at the gym.
Don't Forget About Your Little Ones
Make sure that everyone in your family stays properly hydrated and are protected from the heat. Also, never leave your children or your pets in a car - even if it's just for a few minutes. Neither can sweat enough to cool off properly, and are much more vulnerable to the heat than you are.
If you feel sick...
Heat-related sickness can be serious, leading to nausea, dizziness, confusion, headaches, and even death. But in most cases, it’s avoidable. If you do feel ill and your symptoms don’t resolve after a few minutes in a cool setting, get to a hospital immediately for treatment.
