19 Jul Summer Heat
There’s a lot to do when the weather is right: family picnics, working on your tan at the beach, a homerun derby on the softball field, endless hours on the golf course, or lounging in your backyard hammock. Unfortunately, too much fun in the sun can be dangerous. Excessive heat exposure can cause dehydration, which in turn can cause dangerous conditions like heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke (also called sunstroke).
No matter what your plans are this summer, you won’t want to miss any of them. Combating the toll of the heat and sun on your body will keep you healthy and active all summer long.
What to Wear
The way you dress can go a long way towards keeping you comfortable when you’re outside in the heat. Make sure you bring:
Light-Colored Clothes
The white linen shirt every male movie star wears on the beach isn’t just fashionably conscious; it’s also intelligent for hot, sunny days. Dark clothing absorbs more heat, and tight clothes don’t let sweat — your body’s natural cooling system — evaporate.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses are chic and functional. They prevent harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from scorching your corneas and protect your eyes for many more summers to come. Choose sunglasses that block 90 to 100 percent of UV rays.
Hats
Unlike 8-inch high heels at the beach, a hat is smart summer fashion. Throwing on a wide-brimmed hat prevents UV rays from hitting the sensitive spots on your face and keeps your skin looking young and wrinkle-free.
Lip Balm
Just like sunscreen protects the rest of your skin, a lip balm with SPF protection blocks out the sun and keeps in moisture for your lips.
How to Stay Hydrated
The heat makes you sweat, which cools you down, but that also means you’re constantly losing fluid. Here’s how to stay hydrated:
Water
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty! Drink water throughout the day to prevent dehydration or over exhaustion. Use the color of your urine to guide if you’re hydrated enough — the clearer the better.
Juice
All natural juice without added sugar not only provides hydration but also important nutrients to keep you active in hot weather. Check the label on the juice bottle and make sure it says “100 percent juice with no sugar added.”
Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine
While an ice cold cocktail — complete with a little paper umbrella — might sound good on the beach, it won’t be as refreshing to your body. That’s because alcohol only dehydrates you more. If you can’t barbecue without a brew, drink a bottle of water between each alcoholic beverage to stay hydrated.
Like alcohol, caffeine sucks the moisture out of you. On hot days, avoid it as much as possible, especially when combined with alcohol.
What to Eat
The food you eat can also help you stay cool. Try adjusting your diet so that it includes:
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are easy to digest and often high in water content. Salads and other dishes rich in seasonal produce will keep you feeling light and hydrated.
When to Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid peak hours of sunlight when the temperatures and UV rays are at their highest, normally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. That’s the best time to head inside, get food and water, let your body cool down, and maybe even take a nap.
When heat and humidity are at their highest, it’s never a bad time to take a break. Water sports are especially tricky because you can easily become overheated without realizing it. When in doubt, take a breather.
Where to Hide
If you live in an area where summer heat can become dangerous, pay close attention to any heat-related warnings. When it’s dangerous, stay inside with the A/C or fan going. If it’s not cool enough at home, find a cooling station, usually set up at public libraries and other buildings.
If you must be outside, keep your activities close to a shady spot. It can provide enough of a cool down to keep you safe. Even a small drop in temperature can make a big difference.
When it’s hot and you’re active, stay close to restaurants, convenience stores, or any other place that can offer cold temperatures and beverages should you need them in an emergency. If you’re at the beach or pool, the cool water offers great relief from the heat.