When the Denham Springs weather heats up, the danger rises, too. When you become too hot, your body gets sick or unable to cool down properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 700 people die from heat-related causes in the United States each year. Dealing with hot weather means knowing what to do. These tips will help you stay cool no matter how hot the weather gets.
1. Stay Hydrated
To avoid heat-related illnesses, you have to be properly hydrated. Your body is designed to cool itself by sweating.As external temperature rises, your body sweats more to cool itself down. This can lead to dehydration. To stay hydrated, make sure you drink water throughout the day, and not only when you feel thirsty. If you will be physically active in hot weather, make sure you are replacing the electrolytes your body loses when sweating. Sports drinks are good options to help avoid dehydration and muscle cramps. It is best if you choose ones that don’t have that much sugar.
2. Limit Activities to Early Morning and Late Evening
In the spring and summer, you can avoid the hottest part of the day by scheduling your outdoor activities accordingly.Stay indoors, in an air-conditioned room, as much as you can. Should you need to go outside, plan your activities for early morning or late evening. Doing this will help you avoid the intense heat and keep your body temperature from rising to unhealthy levels.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid staying under direct sunlight if you really need to go outdoors in the daytime. If possible, do your activities in the shade of a tree or building. This will help keep you safe from sunburn and other heat-related illnesses. When moving around in the sun, use sunscreen and wear a hat for protection. A solar umbrella can also help shade yourself. These are umbrellas specially designed to block harmful UV rays and can help your stay cool under the sun.
4. Dress for Comfort
It is important to adjust your clothing choices so you can stay comfortable in hot weather. Your best bets are lightweight, breathable fabrics that fit loosely. Tight-fitting or heavy materials will only trap heat and put you at risk for unhealthy body temperatures. Long sleeves and pants are great choices for maximum sun protection.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Not all drinks can help you keep hydrated. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can make dehydration worse. Substances in these drinks cause you to lose more liquids in your body through frequent urination. Alcohol, specifically, can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the water you drink.
6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Even after following all these tips, you might notice the effects of hot weather anyway. If you notice any dizziness, nausea, or a painful headache, you may be a risk for a heat-related illness. If these symptoms are present, as well as having cold, clammy skin, you might be experiencing heat exhaustion. Even worse, you might be having a heatstroke if you have symptoms like a high fever, red, hot skin, and a loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these symptoms it is best to get emergency medical help right away.
Are you looking for a new Denham Springs rental home that will help you stay cool during spring and summer? If so, contact us today online or check out our rental listings.
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