Physical Wellness

5 Simple Tricks to Protect Yourself from Summer Heat

By Cheri Cheng | Update Date: Aug 06, 2014 01:58 PM EDT

After cold and brutal winters, people are eager to spend more time outdoors in warmer temperatures. However, once these temperatures peak, people must remember to stay safe in the sun. Heat related health conditions, such as a heat stroke or heat exhaustion, can become life threatening.

Here are five ways to protect yourself from the heat:

1. Avoid Exercising during Peak Hours

During extremely hot days, exercising early in the morning or later in the evening is ideal. When people perform rigorous activity during midday hours when the sun is at its hottest, they risk suffering from heat exhaustion and even a heat stroke. If you cannot exercise during morning or night hours, you should consider finding indoor options. If these options are also not ideal, staying hydrated and setting a good pace can help prevent heat-related complications.

2. Stay Hydrated

Even if you are not exercising, during hot temperatures, the body is losing a lot of water through sweat. In order to replenish the body, you must remember to stay hydrated. Dehydration mixed with scorching heat can lead to dangerous health situations.

3. Find Shading

Another way to reduce the effects of the beaming sun is through shading. When walking outdoors during peak hours, you should aim to walk on streets where there is shading. Furthermore, you can use items, such as hats and even umbrellas, to shield yourself from the sun.

4. Apply and Reapply Sunscreen

Even though you might be walking under shade, applying and reapplying sunscreen is important. There might be instances where there is no shading available. In these situations, protecting the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays can reduce your risk of getting skin cancer. Sunscreen can also delay signs of aging caused by sunlight. Applying sunscreen just once in the morning is not enough. If you know in advanced that you will be in the sun for a prolonged period of time, reapplying sunscreen is vital.

5. Wear Light Colors and Loose Clothing

In order to prevent the body from heating up, wearing light colors and looser fitting clothing can help circulate heat more efficiently. These types of clothing do not stick to the body, preventing heat from building up.

Even though summer is almost coming to an end, following these tips on hot days can greatly prevent complications caused by the heat.

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