Ways to cope with the summer heat

With the extreme summer weather, it is always important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of liquids.

Heat Exhaustion is a major concern in the current climate. Basically, heat exhaustion can occur after you’ve been exposed to high temperatures, and it often is accompanied by dehydration.

Some of the symptoms for heat exhaustion include

• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Confusion
• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)
• Muscle or abdominal cramps.
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Follow these tips to prevent heat exhaustion this summer:

1. Hydrate and replenish your body: Especially if you’ve been outside in hot weather, have refreshing liquids such as water and juices.
2. Cool your pulse: The National Sleep Foundation recommended placing a damp washcloth in the freezer to create an easy, cooling compress. Placing the frozen cloth on your wrists or any pulse points will bring an icy shock to your body. If you do not have an ice pack, leave your wrists under cold, running water for 30 seconds. This will cool the blood in your veins and provide some instant relief.
3. Use box fans and ceiling fans to promote air circulation throughout your home.
4. Eliminate extra sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs can generate unnecessary heat, as can computers or appliances left running. Eat fresh foods that do not require you to use the oven or stove to prepare

5. Make use of public buildings with air conditioningduring the hottest hours of the day if the heat becomes unbearable. Libraries, shopping malls, and movie-theatres are good examples of places to cool down
6. Do not consume large, protein-rich mealsthat can increase metabolic heat and warm the body.
7. Finally, remember thatpets such as dogs, cats and rabbits also suffer when the temperature rises. Cooling animals by giving them a “cool” bath or shower will help keep their body temperature down