Tips for the heat

It’s been pretty hot this month and aside the discomfort it comes with, there are severe illnesses that are associated with the weather. Some of these are heat stroke, seizures, skin rashes, dizziness, pain or spasms in the arms, legs and abdomen, sun burn, dehydration and others. The body normally cools itself by sweating. When the weather is extremely hot or under conditions such as fever and obesity, sweating is not enough to cool down the body. When humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly to keep the body cool.

Here are a few tips to keep your body cool and free from heat related illnesses.

1. To stay hydrated during the heat, drink plenty water and eat a salty snack. This will help replace the salt the body loses when it sweats.
2. Sit or lie down in the shade
3. Drink more liquid than you think you need(fruit juice or sports drinks)
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Wear loose lightweight, cotton clothing and a hat.
6. Avoid spending time outdoors especially during the hottest times of the day. This is between 11am and 3pm.
7. Wear sunscreens, sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.
8. Pace yourself when you run or exert your body.