Things To Remember Being Outside in Extreme July Heat

 In Blog

It’s funny – during the winter, many of us can’t wait until summer, but once the season rolls around, we sometimes find ourselves again hoping for a change in weather. While there’s a lot to like about summer, there’s no denying that, at times, the heat can just be too much to handle. And in some cases, the heat can even be dangerous. If you plan on spending any time out in the heat this summer, there are some important things to keep in mind to stay safe.

The Heat Affects Everyone Differently

This isn’t just a matter of who enjoys the heat of the summer and who doesn’t. Everyone’s bodies cope and react a little differently to the heat. This is very important to keep in mind if you’re charged with the care of a child or a pet. Chances are, your adult body is able to withstand more time out in the sun than the little ones are. This is even more important to keep in mind when considering that your pet, or your child who is too young to speak, may not be able to fully communicate their discomfort in the heat. It’s best to play it on the safe side and keep the outdoor activities to a limit for your dependents.

Stay Hydrated

It’s a fact of life: people need water not just to live, but also to stay comfortable throughout the day. This is doubly true when you’re outdoors and losing your body’s water through sweat. While outside, keep a water bottle with you and drink enough to stay hydrated. How much water you need each day depends on a lot of physical factors, so it will be different for each person. Still, if you plan on being outdoors, and especially if you plan on doing some physical activities, it’s best to learn how much water you need on a regular day and overshoot a little. You can also eat some foods that are high in water, such as fruits, to meet your daily hydration needs.

Understand Your Limits

If you’re physically active on a regular basis, you’re probably used to pushing your limits. After all, that’s how you make good progress in your exercise. But when you add heat into the mix, you play a dangerous game that can have dire consequences. It’s best to err on the safe side and realize when your body is telling you to cut back a little bit. It’s easy to power through any discomfort and not realize that you’re pushing yourself too hard until it’s too late.

Know the Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Unfortunately, there may come a time when you or a loved one has been out in the heat too long. In this case, it’s best to know what to do in case of heat exhaustion, or worse, heat stroke. Symptoms include lightheadedness, dizziness, headaches, nausea, red skin, and a rapid heartbeat. If you believe someone is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke, move this person to a cool, shaded area and provide him or her with water. If it’s worse and the person has fallen unconscious, call 911 and do your best to provide first aid until help arrives.

There’s no reason you can’t enjoy the warm weather of summer, but it’s good to stay mindful of the risks involved with being out in the heat too long. Heeding these tips will make your summer safer, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

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