When the hot weather hits Sussex, the danger increases as well. Becoming too hot can make you very sick or make it hard for your body to cool down properly. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 700 people die from heat-related causes in the United States each year. It is important that you know the right ways to deal with hot weather. You can stay cool with these tips no matter how hot the weather gets.
1. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is key if you want to avoid heat-related illnesses. Sweating is the way our bodies naturally cool themselves. When it gets hotter, your sweat more in order to cool down. This can cause you to become dehydrated. To keep yourself hydrated, do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Do it throughout the day. The more physical activities you do in hot weather, the more electrolytes your body loses through sweat. Sports drinks help avoid dehydration as well as muscle cramps but go for those that don’t have too much sugar.
2. Limit Activities to Early Morning and Late Evening
During spring and summer, if possible, schedule your outdoor activities such that you are not exposed to the hottest part of the day. Stay indoors, preferably in an air-conditioned room, if you can. Schedule your outdoor plans for early morning or late evenings. This will help you stay away from too much heat and keep your body temperature from rising to unhealthy levels.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible when going outdoors during the day. The shade of a tree or a building are some areas where you can do your activities. Not only will you avoid sunburn but heat-related illnesses as well. Sunscreen and a hat must always be in your arsenal if you plan to be moving around in the sun. You can also get yourself a solar umbrella to shade yourself. These kinds of umbrellas are designed to block harmful UV rays as well as keep you stay cool as you walk around.
4. Dress for Comfort
You also have to consider adjusting your clothing choices to help you stay cool when the hot weather arrives. Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics that don’t cling to your body. Tight-fitting or heavy materials will only trap heat and put you at risk for unhealthy body temperatures. For maximum sun protection, you can wear long sleeves and pants.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Not all drinks are great for hydrating. Drinks with alcohol and caffeine content can cause dehydration. These substances usually cause you to urinate more, making your body lose more liquids. You have to be extra careful with alcohol as it can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the water.
6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Even with all these precautions, you might still feel the effects of hot weather. If you or anyone you’re with begins to feel dizzy, nauseous, or gets a painful headache, it could be a sign of a heat-related illness. These symptoms, as well as cold and clammy skin, are signs of heat exhaustion. If your symptoms include a high fever, red, hot skin, and loss of consciousness, your might have heatstroke which is even more serious. Get emergency medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Are you looking for a new Sussex rental home that will help you stay cool during spring and summer? If so, contact us today online or check out our rental listings.
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