۸ Expert Tips to Stay Safe During Record Summer Heatwaves

This year we are experiencing a very hot summer and this heat is not only annoying but also threatening and dangerous for health.
If you find yourself exposed to sweltering summer heat, it’s important to take steps to keep cool and avoid overheating.
Just a few tweaks can keep you healthy and happy while you enjoy the sun.
Health dangers of heat waves

According to the World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source, heat waves come with several potential health dangers, including:
• dehydration
• respiratory disease
• heat cramps
• heat rash
• heatstroke
• heat exhaustion
• kidney damage
• impacts on mental health

“Heat impacts the human body [through] a combination of external or environmental heat and the internal body heat generated by the metabolic process,” says Kathleen O’Grady Winston, PhD, RN, the dean of the College of Nursing at University of Phoenix.
This “can impact the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.”
According to O’Grady Winston, these issues usually happen when the body can’t cool down through its usual methods, typically sweating.
“When this occurs, the body temperature rises faster than the body’s metabolic system is able to cool,” she says. “The outcomes associated with a rise in temperatures and exposure to heat over a duration of time are significant and can result in damage to the vital organs.”

Who’s at risk?
Although everyone can develop heat-related illnesses, some people are at greater risk, such as:
• older adults
• people with chronic conditions
• children under 4
• people with mental health conditions
Furthermore, situations and circumstances can also increase risk, such as:
• being sunburned
• not drinking enough liquids

Tips to stay safe
Despite the risks associated with heat waves, there are some ways to stay healthy and avoid overheating, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.
Head for the air con

One of the easiest ways to stay cool is to spend your time in air-conditioned environments, like:
• malls
• libraries
• grocery stores
• public gathering spaces

Limit outdoor activities
Any activities that need to be done outside should be limited to the cooler hours.
According to O’Grady Winston and the WHOTrusted Source, 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. are best. O’Grady Winston also suggests avoiding strenuous activities during other times of day, and staying in the shade whenever possible.

Slather on the sunscreen
It’s important to wear sunscreen every day, especially when it’s hot out. Sunburns can intensify heat-related issues.
Keep hydrated
Drinking a lot of fluids, especially water, will keep you hydrated. It helps to avoid alcohol and drinks high in sugar when you can, too.

Dress for the climate
Eat light meals
Take cold showers
Takeaway
Heat waves can be a serious health threat, but you can avoid the risk with a few tweaks to your summer plans.
Take the party indoors, either at home or in a public space with air-conditioning, and drink plenty of water. Avoid strenuous activity and opt for sun protection with sunscreen, UPF clothing, and shade.