Long weekends and hot weather are coming for everyone over the next few weeks and it is a very good idea to be careful about how you treat yourself in the heat. here are some tips:
Drink more fluids especially water, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar, these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Also remember that Gatorade and other sports drinks are really only needed for excercise, water is fine otherwise.
Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library, even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. My family in the past has gone shopping at the mall during the hottest part of the day just to get out of the heat.
Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness they will just move around the hot air. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.