hiker taking a break at the top of a cliff

How to Protect Your Body from Heat Stroke

When the weather gets hot, heat stroke is a possibility. Lucky, it is not only predictable, but preventable, too. During the hot months, take the following steps to help prevent heat stroke.

STAY HYDRATED

When you drink the proper amount of fluids, it helps your body maintain a healthy and normal body temperature as you sweat. You need to drink at least 8 cups of water a day.

woman taking a break from hiking at the top of a cliff

Choose Your Clothing Wisely

Wear clothing that is light colored; dark colors absorb heat and make you hotter. The light colors reflect the rays of the sun. Also, wear lightweight clothing that is loose fitting. This allows your body to cool, as it should.

Acclimatize Yourself

Limit your time in the heat until you become more conditioned to it. If your body is not used to the hot weather, you are more susceptible to heat stroke and other heat-related illness. Give your body a few weeks to adjust.

Be Careful During the Hottest Part of the Day

If you can, avoid any strenuous activity or exercise during the middle of the day. Instead, take advantage of the morning or evening hours to take part in outdoor activities. If that’s not an option, be sure you take breaks and rest in a cool area and keep your body hydrated.

Use Caution

If you have a physical condition or take any medications that put you hat a higher risk of problems related to heat, do all you can to avoid the hot weather and respond quickly if you have any symptoms of overheating. Watch out for heat rash, dizziness, light headedness, confusion, profuse sweating, headache, nausea or vomiting, and muscle cramps.

Be safe in the hot weather and you can do your best to prevent heat stroke. For more information on staying safe in when the temperatures are high, contact us.