The Best Ways to Avoid Heat Stroke

Read further to find out how:

Disclaimer: I am not a health professional. Please seek the advice of your doctor before you change your diet, exercise program, or any other lifestyle changes including intolerance of heat.

• Moisture is extremely important to maintain hydration. Drink lots of water, and using cool rags on the face and back of the neck can help cool the body. Water sports or parks can be quite refreshing as well. Just be sure to use sun screen.
• Clothing is also important during the hot summer months. Loose fitting clothing including shorts, skirts, sun dresses and tank tops or light t-shirts are recommended.
• Fans are amazing tools to keep air circulating making each of us feel cooler. The electricity to run a ceiling fan or conventional fan is much less expensive than running your air conditioner at a lower temperature. It saves energy and money on your monthly bill.
• When all else fails, go see a movie, walk around the mall, or have a meal or ice cream treat inside an air conditioned building.

• Hydration is an absolute must to avoid serious health issues whether you are in hot weather or not. It is most important in hot weather, however. Do your best to avoid alcohol, caffeine, stimulants like tobacco products, and certain medications with side effects that could reduce heat tolerance.
• If you feel over heated, and suspect you may be having a heat stroke, tell someone immediately! Get as much water or Gatorade© or other electrolyte filled beverage as possible. Find shade, and get a cool compress on your neck and torso. Take your shoes and socks off so your feet can cool off as well. Believe it or not, that can be a tremendous help. If you are wearing a hat, but in the shade, take off your hat so the heat can escape from the top of your head.
• Be sure the person/people that are taking care of you call emergency services just to be sure you are medically treated.

• If you must be outside, it is obvious that loose fitting clothing is coolest as it allows air to circulate beneath the clothing, keeping your body temperature lower. Sun dresses and sandals are a woman’s best friend during the summertime.
• For the men, loose fitting clothing such as Bermuda shorts, sandals, and light weight t-shirts or sleeveless shirts, and wide brimmed hats are helpful when attempting to stay cool.
• If you are outside, seek the shade of a tarp, umbrella, or just plain shade trees. The temperature drops dramatically when you are not in direct sunlight.

• Deodorant can be used in other places besides your arm pits. On a hot day when you are going to be outside of a comfortable air conditioned area, utilize this product to keep a dryer, more comfortable body. In addition to the arm pits, swipe your deodorant or antiperspirant in areas such as behind the knees, between the thighs, and any other place your body touches itself. Any sweaty crack or crevice is welcoming to deodorant or antiperspirant.
• The same rule applies to the use of baby powder or talc powder. Place in all the creases of your body, and where your body parts touch each other for dry relief. This prevents chaffing and makes you feel cooler all over.
• One other thing to help you feel cooler is to be free from body hair. Wear your hair up or get a short haircut to allow cooler air to reach the back of your neck. This can be a great relief. And of course, don’t forget sunscreen if you are out in the sun. A spray sunscreen is recommended as it doesn’t seem to be as heavy and has a lighter, cooler feeling.

Hydration is the key to staying cool. Sweating is your body's natural way of cooling itself. You may try all the previously mentioned remedies, but by keeping enough water in your body you can sweat. Drink a lot of fluids if you know you will be out in the heat. Other drinks like Gatorade and those with electrolytes are also great ways to hydrate, just watch the sugar content In those drinks. Drink continuously, even if you are not thirsty.

• Ceiling or oscillating fans can keep the ambient air in the room at a normal temperature. It helps with cooling the body and can be quite cost effective. You will be able to raise your thermostat a few degrees if you have a fan.
• Set thermostat at one temperature for night and leave it. If you are warm, remove some clothing and dress as if you are out in the heat. If you become cool, use a jacket or blanket to become comfortable. As long as you are comfortable enough to sleep leave the thermostat where it is. However, during the day, if nobody is home, feel free to set the thermostat 5-6 higher during the day to help save energy. Do not turn your air conditioner off when you aren’t home. Cooling your house down to a comfortable level will use more energy than if you just lowered it while you are gone.
• When possible, tint your windows. This helps reflect the sun and its heat rays away from your home. Also, keep your blinds closed when you are not home to help keep the heat out.
• Weather stripping your doors and windows are an investment well worth your time and money to keep a cool (and warm) home. It will definitely pay off over a short period of time, showing on your electric or gas bill. Most importantly, it will save energy.