Local forecasters indicate northeast Ohio will experience a mini-heatwave over the next two days. The high heat will prove challenging to those who work outdoors and those without air conditioning. Below, we have provided tips to help you beat the heat.
When heatwaves happen, paying attention to your body is essential. We must also keep an eye on our older residents, babies, and pets. Everyone can safely enjoy this unseasonably hot weather by following these tips:
- Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
- Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid icy drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
- Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
- Electric fans may provide comfort, but fans will not prevent heat-related illness when the temperature is in the high 90s. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illness at any time, some people are at a greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
- Infants and young children;
- People aged 65 or older;
- People who have a mental illness; and
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
- Visit adults at risk at least twice daily and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
If you must be out in the heat:
- Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
- Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (which also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).