Hot Columbia Heights weather means higher danger. Too much heat can make you sick and make it very hard for your body to cool down properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 700 people die from heat-related causes in the United States each year. To prepare for the coming hot weather, it is important to be armed with the knowledge of what to do. You can stay cool with these tips no matter how hot the weather gets.
1. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is the most basic thing to avoid heat-related illnesses. Sweating is the way our bodies naturally cool themselves. This means that the hotter it gets, the more you sweat to cool yourself down. Because of this, you can quickly become dehydrated. Drinking water throughout the day, and not just when you become thirsty, will help to keep your body hydrated. Also, if you will be doing intense physical activity in hot weather, remember to replace the electrolytes your body loses when you sweat. Sports drinks are good options to help avoid dehydration and muscle cramps. It is best if you choose ones that don’t have that much sugar.
2. Limit Activities to Early Morning and Late Evening
During spring and summer, schedule your outdoor activities away from the hottest hours of the day. Staying indoors, especially in an air-conditioned room, is also good. Outdoor activities are also best held in the early morning or late evening. This will keep your body temperature from rising to unhealthy levels as you avoid the heat of the day.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible when going outdoors during the day. If possible, do your activities in the shade of a tree or building. Aside from avoiding sunburn, you can also avoid heat-related illnesses. Don’t forget to use sunscreen and wear a hat when you do things in the sun. A solar umbrella can also help shade yourself. These umbrellas are made of material that blocks harmful UV rays and helps you stay cool as you go about your day.
4. Dress for Comfort
During hot weather, it is very important to adjust your clothing choices to help you stay comfortable throughout the day. Loose-fitting, lightweight, breathable fabrics are ideal for hot weather. Tight-fitting or heavy materials will only trap heat and put you at risk for unhealthy body temperatures.For maximum sun protection, you can wear long sleeves and pants.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Some drinks are not designed to hydrate. Drinks that contain alcohol or caffeine can make dehydration worse. The reason for this is that the substances in these drinks cause you to urinate more, thus relieving your body of much-needed liquids. You have to be extra careful with alcohol as it can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the water.
6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
You may still feel the effects of hot weather even after taking all these precautions. If you or anyone you’re with begins to feel dizzy, nauseous, or gets a painful headache, it could be a sign of a heat-related illness. If you have all these symptoms plus cold, clammy skin, you might have heat exhaustion. Even more serious is heatstroke, which includes symptoms like high fever, red, hot skin, and loss of consciousness. If these symptoms are present, call for emergency medical help right away.
Are you looking for a new Columbia Heights rental home that will help you stay cool during spring and summer? If so, contact us today online or check out our rental listings.
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