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How to Avoid Heat Related Health Problems in Hot Weather
5 Smart Ways To Stay Cool-er In The Summer
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Summer brings more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. However, it can also bring more risk of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
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Not everyone can tolerate the summer heat well, and if you’re one of the people who need to be careful when temperatures rise, you must be ready to take special precautions to stay healthy in hot weather.
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These 5 Smart Tips below will help you to stay cool during the hot months.
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Avoid Heat Related Health Problems: Smart Tip #1
Wear Comfortable, Cooling Clothing
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The hot weather should have you looking in your wardrobe for clothing that is lightweight and loose fitting to allow air circulation to help cool your body.
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Revealing clothing is not always the right choice to keep cool, because it can leave skin exposed to sunburn, which also keeps the body overheated.
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Light colors are a good choice when spending time outdoors because it reflects light to keep you cooler.
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Avoid Heat Related Health Problems: Smart Tip #2
Stay Hydrated
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Have water on hand at all times, and sip it throughout the day during extremely hot weather. Sweating will cause you to lose water that will need to be replaced to avoid dehydration.
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Be alert to signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, headache, decreased urine output and dark-colored urine. If you notice these signs, get to a cooler area and increase your intake of fluids.
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Avoid Heat Related Health Problems: Smart Tip #3
Ensure Your Air-Conditioning is in Good Working Order
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Those who are particularly vulnerable to heat-related problems, such as infants, the elderly and those with medical conditions, should have their air-conditioning systems checked by professional air-conditioning companies before the hot weather begins to avoid a breakdown when temperatures rise.
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Your air-conditioning contractor can check wear and tear on your system, check moving parts and tune the unit, so that it can function properly to ensure your home is a cool and healthy environment.
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Avoid Heat Related Health Problems: Smart Tip #4
Keep Air Moving to Cool the Skin
Try to keep air moving in your area by placing a fan in the room.
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You can also find a variety of personal fans that will help to keep air flowing over your skin, wherever you are. These devices are battery-powered and can make a significant difference in your personal comfort during hot weather.
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Avoid Heat Related Health Problems: Smart Tip #5
Be Alert to Signs of Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
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Know the signs of heat-related illness so you can take action to prevent serious health problems.
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Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness, fatigue and rapid pulse. If these symptoms appear, get yourself or the affected individual to a cooler area immediately to prevent heat stroke.
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Symptoms of heat stroke include red skin, rapid pulse, heavy sweating or lack of sweating, high body temperature, noticeable confusion and bizarre behavior. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
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Summer can be a time of great fun, with time spent outdoors making wonderful memories.
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Be aware that people tolerate the heat in varying degrees, and a comfortable temperature for someone else can mean trouble for you.
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You can avoid heat-related illnesses by following these tips to take care of your health during the warm weather, so you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer season.
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Dixie Somers, Freelance Writer
dixiesomers@gmail.com
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