Monday, July 2, 2012

10 Tips to Play it Safe and Beat the Heat this Summer!



     With a record highs of 106°f in our city, and the 4th of July around the corner, Ms. Madison and I have put our heads together to come up with some tips to stay comfortable and safe while outside.

1. Wear Light colored Loose Fitting Cotton or Athletic Clothing.
Loose fitting clothes will allow air flow, cotton will help your skin breath and most Athletic Clothing is made to wick sweat away from the skin. Try a combo of short yoga pants under a white sun dress, to look stylish and stay cool.

2. Drink LOTS of water.
Try to drink at least 8oz of water an hour, when you’re outside, even if you don't feel thirsty, it will help keep your body temperatures down and stave off heat sickness.

3. Keep a Sports Drink nearby.
Even if you’re just sitting around and not working out, you can lose a lot of electrolytes from sweating. Low electrolyte levels can cause fatigue, dizziness and nausea. Keep a sugar free Sports Drink or Coconut water nearby, and drink it as soon as you feel unwell.

4. Avoid alcohol, sugar and caffeine.
A summer treat of white wine or an ice cold Coke may sound like a great idea, but alcohol, sugar and caffeine cause dehydration. Save these drinks for later in the evening, when the sun has gone down, and there’s less risk of heat sickness.

5. Exercise your right to bare arms legs.
Your legs are one of the biggest sources of heat loss in your body; leave as much of them exposed as possible by wearing shorts and flip-flops.

6. Find a good sunscreen.
Recent reports have shown a lot of sunscreens on the market don't protect your skin at all. So do your research and find out which one have proven track records. Our recommendation is Banana Boat Sport SPF 50! 

7. Wear a hat and handkerchief.
Wearing a large hat and kerchief can protect your eyes and skin from UV rays. When you are feeling the heat, do what Pro-Tennis players do and wet both with some cold water.

8. Ice your pulse points.
Your pulse points are the place that your veins come closest to the surface your skin. By rubbing ice on them, you can cool your blood, and your whole body.  Easy pulse points to access are the back of your neck, your wrist and the inside of your elbow.

9. Try a treat of frozen fruit, like watermelon and blueberries.
Fruit’s the perfect summer time treat, make it extra refreshing by freezing.

10. Know the signs of heat sickness and heat stroke.
Recognizing the signs of heat sickness and heat stroke, and be prepared to treat them.
Heat stroke can imitate the sings of the heart attack; other symptoms of heat stroke include, red or flushed dry skin, high body temp, rapid pulse and difficulty breathing. If someone is showing the signs of heat stroke move them a cool location and call the paramedics.