Extreme Heat: Take Precautions to Keep Safe Outdoors
By Stephen R. Farris
Are you a sun person, or do you prefer to stay indoors where it's cooler? With either choice, there are always times when you have to be outdoors, and as summer begins hitting its peak (August, September, and early October), the temperatures outside can be extremely hot depending on your location in the United States and certain other regions around the world.
Being outdoors during extreme heat conditions shouldn't prevent you from enjoying some of your favorite activities and/or exercise. You can still do them, but there are a few things you should do to prevent the effects of higher temperatures such as dehydration, heat cramps, heat rash, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or damaging your kidneys.
Extreme temperatures can also have an affect on your mental well-being, and cause respiratory problems, especially if you suffer from certain respiratory conditions.
So if you're an older adult, or have children under the age of 4, suffer from a respiratory condition, or have certain mental issues, or even if you are fit and healthy, then consider taking these precautions in order to avoid letting the heat get to you.
Find Air Conditioning
When you start to feel overheated, head towards the nearest place that has air conditioning to cool down. This could be your car, the mall, a library, convenience store, or back home even. Any place that will help you beat the heat and cool down quickly.
Plan Outdoor Activities Accordingly
If you plan to be outdoors when it's hot, then try changing up your routine if possible. If you're going to work outdoors, do so in the mornings when it's cooler or later in the afternoon/evening when it starts to cool down. In some countries, the workday is planned out according to the weather. Hotter climates may require workers to follow the aforementioned schedule. This plan also works good for daily exercising, or for outdoor gatherings, swimming, picnics, etc.
Don't Forget the Sunscreen
If you're planning to be outdoors during hot weather, especially if there are no clouds in the sky, then apply some sunscreen before heading outdoors to help prevent skin damage. Just remember, when you get sunburn it can actually lead to dehydration, so make sure you're drinking plenty of water when outdoors regardless if you get sunburned or not.
Be safe out there this summer, or anytime the temperatures rise above normal, and at the same time, keep on enjoying the outdoors, hot sun and all. Just make sure you stay safe and implement measures to ensure you do.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Mary, Fla.