Tips on Battling Extreme Heat

6/16/2023 (Permalink)

Beat the heat this summer with these helpful tips!

Summer is coming but we’ve already experienced high temperatures. As temperatures continue to rise, survive the summer heat by following the tips below. 

Stay Cool  

• Stay cool indoors: Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as you can. If your home does not have air conditioning, go somewhere that does such as a store, restaurant, etc.  
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool off: When you overheat in the humidity outside, relax and cool down with a cold shower to help restore your body temperature.  
• Schedule outdoor activities with caution: Try to limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest outside, such as morning or evening. Find shady areas to rest in so your body has a chance to recover.  
• Pace yourself: Limit exercise during extreme heat.  
• Wear sunscreen: Protect your skin from sunburn and sun damage. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down, leading to dehydration.  
• Avoid hot and heavy meals: They add heat to your body.  

Stay Hydrated  

• Drink fluids: Drink plenty of fluids, no matter how active you are. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.  
• Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks: These drinks can make you lose more body fluid. Drinking cold drinks can also cause stomach cramps.  
• Replace salt and minerals: Sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. Sports drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade can replace salt and minerals you lose in sweat.  
• Keep your pets hydrated: Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets to keep them cool and hydrated. Leave their water bowl in shady areas to help cool them down.  

For more information about extreme heat, visit cdc.gov.