4 Ways to Make the Most of Summer By Beating the Heat 06/25/2012
We all look forward to fun in the sun, when we can plan our vacations and spend more time outdoors. As we do what many of us enjoy most, it's important to remember a few tips to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Dr. Matthew Chamberlain of Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group offers these tips to keep you healthy in our hottest months:
1. Very high body temperatures could cause damage to the brain or other vital organs. People at greatest risk for heat-related illness include infants and children up to four years old, people 65 and older, and people who are overweight or certain medical conditions.
2. When spending time outdoors, wear light weight loose clothing and seek out shady areas when possible. Drink plenty of fluids daily, but greater amounts of fluids before, during and after physical activity.
3. Warning Signs of heat-related illness include an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid heart rate; dizziness; nausea; and fainting. If you notice these signs get out of the heat, rest, drink water and take a cool shower. If symptoms do not improve or get worse, seek medical attention.
4. Wear sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 - always. Look for sun block that contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Those are the only two ingredients proven to block out both UVA and UVB rays. Even if you think your exposure to the sun is minimal, it is important to use sunscreen daily.
Dr. Matthew Chamberlain of Our Lady of the Lake Physician Group offers these tips to keep you healthy in our hottest months:
