Thursday, April 30, 2015

Summertime: May Days!

Summer is definitely here, and while some people are going to the beach, some are stuck with the daily grind. Either way, the hottest month(s?) of the year is just beginning. This is a friendly reminder to:

1. Stay hydrated! Drink enough water that your pee runs clear. I prefer plain water, iced due to the heat. However, if you find that you sweat more than usual due to exercise and the like (IMO, unthinkable in this heat), you might want to consider adding the water and electrolytes you lose back with additional sports drinks or even ORS.

2. Keep cool! Avoid things that will make you retain heat such as occlusive ointments and tightly woven fabrics. Let your body sweat and let that sweat evaporate to cool you even further. It may not look that good, but it's good for you. Did you know that sweating keeps you cool?

3. Avoid the sun! As I said before, use a broad spectrum sunscreen - with at least SPF 30. If you can stand it, chose clothes that will hide your skin from the sun. At the very least, avoid the sun from 10 am to 3 pm. Umbrellas and wide brimmed hats are your friends.

The youngest and oldest members of society are more prone to heat stroke. If you see someone getting dizzy due to the heat, bring this person to a shaded area, hydrate and try to cool him or her off. Please consult with a medical professional when more serious events such as fainting or seizures occur.

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