Hot Fun in the Summertime: Ways to Beat the Heat

23 Jun Hot Fun in the Summertime: Ways to Beat the Heat

It is finally here.
This week, Dallas-Fort Worth, along with the rest of Texas, will begin to experience the severe heat of the summer: triple digits. 100 degrees is finally upon us, and I can already feel myself sweating. [Edit: it’s official – at 3:13pm, DFW Airport registered 100 degrees.]

To beat the heat, here are some basic tips and strategies you can utilize throughout the day. If you or your child is in the heat for a large portion of the day, you should be very careful and follow these basic instructions.

Stay Hydrated– The most important thing to remember is to keep your body hydrated by constantly drinking. The best drinks to stay hydrated are water and sports drinks such as Gatorade. Try to drink between 16 and 32 ounces per hour and remember to sip them, not chug them. Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol and sugar concentrated drinks as they cause a loss of fluids.

Dress for the Heat– Its better to wear light colored, loose-fitting clothing. Light colors keep your body from absorbing heat and loose clothing allows sweat to evaporate. Also, try to wear a hat to protect your head from the sun. Always remember to wear protective sunscreen if you are in the sun for an extended period of time to avoid sunburns.

Avoid 10am-4pm– Avoiding the extreme temperatures of the day outside is imperative. Try to find an area of shade and take many rests if you feel your body is becoming overheated. Do not overwork yourself when in the heat; take it easy and take many rests in the shade.

Watch Out for Heat Stroke and Hyperthermia– These signs can appear out of nowhere. If you start feeling nauseous, develop a headache, become flushed and look red, have cramps, sweat very heavily, or stop sweating while in the heat, take a break. Find an area with shade and sip some water. If possible, go to an air-conditioned area and place a cool towel on your forehead and relax. Do not continue with your activities unless you feel 100 percent confident you can continue without worsening the pain.