Heatwave Safety- What to Take to Stay Cool!

With rising temps, make sure you know how to stay cool and healthy!

Heat is the number one cause of weather-related direct fatalities, according to the National Weather Service, and more than 600 people die from complications related to extreme heat every year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. People over the age of 65, those living alone and people with chronic medical conditions are, particularly at risk.

Heat exhaustion, which occurs when the body overheats, is the precursor to heat stroke. Symptoms include muscle cramps, headaches, and nausea or vomiting. When heat exhaustion is not treated, the person becomes at risk for heatstroke, which, without emergency assistance, can lead to death.

You are in heatstroke if your body temp rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, which can cause damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles. Symptoms include altered mental state and behavior, nausea and vomiting, flushed skin, rapid breathing and racing heart rate, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Here are 7 Tips You Should Follow This Summer to Stay Healthy!

Summer is here and the temperature seems to be rising rapidly every day, sending off warning bells to everyone to start taking precautions for heatwaves and summer related woes.

1. Hydrate and Hydrate

Staying hydrated is very crucial during summer as it ensures that your body keeps functioning normally. Consider this as the number one rule. Sip on flavored water by adding in mineral-rich fruits like watermelon, lemon, kiwi, etc., or make slushies and lemonades at home.

2. Eat Regularly, But Eat Light

The second best thing to do is to follow a light diet including summer veggies like squash, lauki, cucumber, ivy gourd, etc. Avoid heat generating foods like meat, eggs, and other proteins, and even salt intake.

3. Take Cold Water Showers

One of the quickest ways to cool down is to step into a cold water shower. It will instantly make you feel refreshed. Also, try washing your feet and face with cold water before you go to sleep. It is said that placing an ice pack on your neck can work wonders too to cut down body temperature. Even wiping yourself with wet towels can help.

4. Switch off Those Lights

Too many electric bulbs and lights in the room tend to heat up the temperature. Certain factors like concrete buildings, top floors, pollution, etc can make the situation worse by trapping heat.

5. Stay Indoors

If you love walking, try to do so only in the early hours or after sundown. Keep a check on the weather forecast. This is important because you can then track the hottest days and plan accordingly. 

6. Wear Loose Clothes

To stay cool you need to wear loose clothes so that there is good air circulation.

7. Don't Exert Yourself

Though physical activity is essential for good health but during summers, make sure that you don't over exert yourself. You need your energy levels to keep you active.