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The summer of 2024 was one of the hottest on record, and this summer’s temperatures are shaping up to be hotter than normal as well. Heat waves seem to just be a fact of life now, no matter when in the U.S. you live.
During the next period of prolonged heat and humidity in your area, never do these things in order to stay cool, safe, and healthy.
If you’re out in the heat, take it easy. Adjust your exercise routine if you normally do it outside so that you avoid the hottest part of the day. Try and plan outdoor activities for cooler times, like early morning, evening, or nighttime.
If you have to be outside, consider keeping cool with things like umbrellas for shade, hats, damp towels, and neck fans. Try to take breaks in air conditioning if you can.
Summer means lots of parties, festivals, and outdoor events where you might be inclined to imbibe. But the combination of summer heat and alcohol can greatly increase your risk of dehydration, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke more quickly. If you so decide to drink, make sure you’re also drinking lots of water.
If you know you’re going to be outside during a heat wave, you can pre-hydrate by drinking plenty of water or a sports drink before you’re even in the heat. Once you’re outside, drink lots of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated beverages, even if you’re not thirsty. If you feel thirsty, you’re probably already dehydrated.
In the sun and heat, your car is like a mini greenhouse. It heats up to dozens of degrees warmer than the outside air temperature in no time. That’s why it’s so important to never leave a child or pet in your car during a heat wave, not even for just a couple of minutes. That may sound obvious, but children die in hot cars every year.
Besides children and pets, there may be other things you don’t want to leave in your car during a heat wave. Don’t make a stop after getting groceries, for instance, if you want your ice cream to stay frozen, and don’t leave candles you just bought at TJ Maxx in the trunk or you’ll have a huge mess on your hands.
Maybe most of your wardrobe is black, but dark colors are not the best idea if you’re outside during a heat wave because they absorb the sunlight. Wear light, loose clothing, preferably in natural fabrics that breathe, like cotton.
Loose fitting clothes will help the moisture on your body evaporate more easily. And a hat, especially with a wide brim, is always a good idea.
Air conditioning is your best friend during a heat wave. Take breaks in it, or just don’t even leave the house during the hottest part of the day, if you can. Use the A/C in your car, and run errands in air conditioned places.
If you don’t have air conditioning or your power goes out during a heat wave, plan to spend some time in places like malls, libraries, or restaurants where you can cool off for a while.
Just because you have air conditioning doesn’t mean your neighbors do, so check on them, especially if they’re elderly, alone, or have health problems. This becomes extra important if the power goes out, because then they might not even have fans to keep them cool.
Your furry friends can overheat easily in the summer too, especially if you have a cold weather pup like a Husky, for example. Make sure they have access to fresh, cool drinking water at all times, and shade if they’re outside. Keep them off the hot pavement, which can burn paws and overheat the dogs more quickly.
And know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rates, drooling, and weakness, according to the ASPCA.
If you’re outside in a heat wave, pay attention to your body — and how others with you are feeling as well. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can happen faster than you might think during a heat wave. According to Yale Medicine, there are a number of early warning signs that mean you need to cool down, including headache, sweating, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and lightheadedness.
As your body temperature gets hotter, you may experience muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, and confusion. If that happens, you need to help cool the person off and get medical help right away.
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