Summer season is meant to be enjoyed. With so much free time, there are many opportunities to be outside int the heat. However, with the temperature being high, the possibility of suffering from a heat-related illness also gets high.
While you may have AC at home to keep you cool indoors, you need to find ways to enjoy the outdoors in summer without risking your health. To help you, here are a few summer heat safety tips that will help you make the best of the sun and warm weather outdoors.
1) Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of water and other fluids after regular intervals.
2) Stay away from caffeine and alcoholic beverages as they cause dehydration.
3) Dress lightly, preferably in cotton. Choose clothes that are loose-fitting and lightweight.
4) Even when outside, make sure to take frequent breaks and rest in the shade or indoors.
5) Carry accessories that are appropriate for the season. For example, wear a wide-brimmed hat, a scarf, and sunglasses to protect your face and neck from the harsh rays of the sun.
6) Don’t forget to apply sunscreen before going out.
7) If you are traveling by car, never leave your pets or kids inside the vehicle, as the temperature in the car tends to rise quickly.
8) Eat meals that are light and well-balanced. Green vegetables and citrus fruits are the best to have in the summertime.
9) Avoid exercising during the day. Choose early morning hours or late evening hours for exercise.
10) Finally, as they say, prevention is better than cure. Stay inside during the hottest hours of the day, which typically start from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Feeling Overheated? Here Are A Few First Aid Tips
Seek medical assistance right away if you feel nauseous or dizzy. You can do a few things to stop your condition from worsening.
1) For Heat Rash – Caused by sweat buildup, heat rashes can be easily treated by resting in a cool place with good ventilation.
2) For Heat Cramps – Heat cramps happen due to loss of body salts and fluids. The problem can be treated by resting in a cool place and drinking a lot of water.
3) For Heat Exhaustion – Heat exhaustion happens due to dehydration. Some common signs include moist skin, nausea, headache, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. To treat it, lie down in a cool area, drink plenty of water, and apply cold compresses or ice packs.
4) For Heat Stroke – A heatstroke is a to be considered a medical emergency. Call for help immediately. When this happens, the person stops sweating and their body temperature rises. Some common symptoms include faintness and seizures. Affected people should lie down in a cool area, loosen their clothing, and apply a cold compress. If the person is conscious, they should drink water.
When outside, keep in mind these three important things – water, rest, and shade. Get plenty of these and stay away from heat illnesses. For indoors, we hope your AC is doing its job well. In case, you need any help with your AC, call our experts at Mid Atlantic Heating & Cooling for service. Our contact number is 703-447-8046.
