Beating the Summer Heat - Cenla Health: Alexandria, Pineville, Louisiana

Beating the Summer Heat:
Tips for Staying Healthy in the Heat

It is that time of year again when relaxation and recreation begins and the long days of the season are taken full advantage of. As the summer season starts so do dehydration and heat-related illnesses.In summer, the hot weather and the burning heat calls for a heat prevention plan so activities can be enjoyed to their fullest.

According to the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 Americans die every year of heat-related illnesses that were all preventable if only the people knew more about them. The highest at risk for heat-related illnesses are children, elderly people, outdoor workers, athletes, and exercisers.And all it takes to prevent getting ill is to know more about your body's need for fluid intake.

Here are some tips to help you and your family stay healthy throughout the summer.

Avoid Dehydration:

- Drink plenty of water and other fluids like sports drinks.Infants and toddlers are easily dehydrated, give them plenty of fluids.

- Avoid drinking very cold water as it may cause stomach cramps.

- Avoid the hottest hours of the day for outside exercise or play.

Take care of your Skin:

- Wear light colored, loose fitting clothes, they absorb less heat and don't wear you down.

- Wear appropriate shoes when walking, or engaged in any kind of sport or exercise.

- Use sunglasses, hats and umbrellas as much as possible when outside in the sun.

- A good sun screen always helps to fight sunburn.Use a sun screen for UVA and UVB rays with a SPF factor of at least 15.

Eat and Drink Healthy:

- Eat plenty of vegetables, carbohydrates and fruits.

- Avoid drinks containing caffeine, sugar, alcohol because they cause dehydration.

- When exercising, drink 2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.

Beat the Heat:

- Give yourself a break every now and then without pushing yourself to the limits.Remember your body needs the deserved rest in the shade.

- If the temperature is in the high 90's don't rely on electric fans to cool the body alone.Taking a cold shower and moving to an air conditioned place will help.

Many times, people realize too late that they are in trouble.If you are feeling ill, see a doctor immediately.

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