How to Handle the Summer Heat and Keep Your Cool

The intense heat of summer CAN make you sick. If you aren't ready for it, you can develop heat exhaustion or even heat stroke. You need to take precautions in order to work and play safely in the high heat of summer. Here are a few tips to help you keep your cool.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. GET USED TO IT FIRST. You need to acclimatize yourself by spending short amounts of time in the heat- about 30-60 minutes at a time- for two to three weeks to get used to the heat before you start spending large amounts of time outside.
2. TIME IT RIGHT. Early morning or late evening is the best time to be outside. Avoid the high mid-day heat.
3. SWEAT SMART. Evaporation of sweat is what cools your body so wear less clothing on humid days to help the sweat evaporate. Also look for "moisture wicking" clothing to pull the sweat off of your body to help cool you faster.
4. WATER YOURSELF. Drink at least eight ounces of water for every thirty minutes you are outside.
5. BLOCK IT OUT. Not only does sunblock prevent sunburn, it also blocks the UV rays that heat you up from the inside out. Use a broad-spectrum sunblock with at least SPF 15 and re-apply it every two hours to ensure thorough coverage.

Tips & Warnings

• If at any time you feel weak, faint, or nauseated while outside, GET OUT OF THE HEAT IMMEDIATELY.