As temperatures and humidity rise, it becomes vital to take extra care of your health. Rising temperatures can lead to fatigue, sleeplessness, allergies, and worse—heat stroke. Luckily, you can take preventative steps to preserve your health during a heat wave; here’s how.
Try to stay in air conditioning as much as possible
A traditional fan doesn’t work to effectively cool the body in extreme conditions. Many areas offer cooling stations during high temperature periods for those without access to air conditioning. Hot days are also a great excuse to head to other A/C-enhanced hot spots like the mall or local library.
Take a warm shower
A warm shower can go a long way to helping you cool off during a heat wave because it keeps the blood circulating in your body. Soaking in a warm hot tub could also help you stay cool in the heat.
Drink water before you feel thirsty
Staying hydrated is important and often the first line of defense when battling hot temperatures, but don’t wait until you’re thirsty during the midst of a heat wave to start loading up on water. Take a preventative approach and begin drinking more when you know consistently hot temperatures are on the way.
Limit outdoor activities
One of the best ways to avoid the health risks of heat is to limit your time spent outdoors during the hottest hours of the day. Even if you are not at high risk for a heat-related health illness, limiting your outdoor activities to the morning and afternoon will be safer for your body.
It’s natural for many people to feel uncomfortable in the heat, but if you start to feel ill or have muscle cramps, it could mean something more serious. Prolonged exposure to heat and humidity can cause heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which are preventable conditions. Be sure to use extreme caution and prioritize your health and well-being during a heat wave.
