As we get further and further into a world riddled by climate change, summers are becoming increasingly more dangerous for people. The heat brings about many risks and potentials for illness for people, especially those deemed in sensitive health groups. While the unfortunate news is that we are limited in what we can do to combat the excessive heat, the good news is that there are still some ways to combat the heat! Here are our top tips to beat the excessive heat this summer!
Be Aware of Watch and Warning Notifications
When in the midst of excessive heat and blazing heat waves, weather organizations will issue varying levels of notification to identify where things are at in terms of the heat. Depending on the organization releasing them, the order of severity may change as well as the temperature definitions behind them, but the three most common notifications are excessive heat watch, a heat advisory, and an excessive heat warning. Be sure to check for these notifications in your area and confirm what that level means when coming from the source you choose.
Take Care of Kids and Pets the Same as You Do Yourself
Sometimes people, often with pets, forget that the loveable parts of our life that cannot quite verbalize for themselves how they are feeling feel the heat just as you do. This means babies and young kids as well as pets all feel the heat in the same way you do, sometimes even worse because they are often more sensitive to the heat. Do not leave them in cars or indoors without some sort of cooling system going.
Stay Hydrated
This may be an overdone tip, but it is for good reason! Staying hydrated is the only way to remain safe and sound this summer. If you lack the proper hydration, everything else will crumble as the heat increases. Be sure to drink plenty of water and to do it properly. You want to spread out your water consumption in order to not internally drown yourself. Furthermore, make sure you get proper electrolytes as well. You can get these from sports drinks or supplements that you add to water.
Limit Outdoor Activities
Summer is the best time for outdoor activities but also the worst. Limit your sun exposure on particularly hot days. If you are unable to do that, be sure to double up on the hydration as you sweat and wear proper protection with sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats.
