3 Tips to Prevent Heat-Related Illness
By Virginia Laird
With summer swiftly approaching, it is time to begin preparing your family for the brutal heat that accompanies this time of year. As temperatures begin to rise, so do the chances of developing health issues caused by heat. Doctors strongly suggest that these issues be taken seriously, as some can prove to be fatal. However, these same professionals advise that avoiding things like heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be simple. A few tips suggested to help your family stay healthy and avoid these health issues include:
- Drink plenty of water
- Stay indoors during the heat of the day
- Slowly adjust to the heat
Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated is essential when trying to best the summer heat. It is recommended that you drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water each day. For some, this can prove to be a challenge. If you are one who prefers soda, it is best to begin adding water to your routine right away. Health and wellness experts advise investing in a water bottle to help make sure you have water available at all times. Start looking for your perfect water bottle and make it your best friend starting today.
Stay Indoors During the Heat of the Day
Finding activities to do during the heat of the day is paramount during the summer. Health and wellness experts advise that the heat of the day is considered to be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These are the hours in which the sun is at its highest point, thereby causing the heat to be more overpowering than the rest of the day. During these times, it is best to avoid outdoor activity. Heat related illness happen when the body gets too overheated too quickly and cannot adjust or maintain hydration. It is best to avoid time outside during these hours.
Slowly Adjust to the Heat
For those who love spending time outdoors, health and wellness experts suggest it is best to allow the body to slowly adjust to the heat. This means spend just a few minutes in the heat each day. Following this advice can help the body learn to acclimate to such drastic change in temperature, which can help prevent heat-related illnesses. Keep in mind that doing too much too soon in the heat can be a recipe for heat stroke.
Now is the time to begin practicing these simple beat-the-heat habits.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Costa Mesa, Calif.
