Sweltering heat isn’t enjoyable; it can take a toll on the mind and body. Granted, every summer, it’s a given that the mercury rises and we experience very hot daytime and nighttime temperatures. Extreme heat is a serious concern, as it is responsible for the highest number of weather-related deaths annually in Canada.
The question raised is, what can you do the next time a dangerous heat wave blankets much of your region? While many people have heard about heat stroke, few know the risks associated with it; that’s why it’s essential to stay safe. We have rounded up seven things you can do the next time a serious heat wave comes around.
Watch Out for Brain Fog
Heat can make you feel sluggish and can take a toll on your brain. It can remarkably slow down reaction time and memory. This can affect several facets of your life; it could mean performing worse on tests, having trouble concentrating, and being productive at work. It can also make you more aggressive and irritable. That manifests itself in many ways, resulting in road rage incidents and violent crime.
Plan to Stay Cool
In summer, beating the heat is an all-day challenge. For starters, if you don’t have air conditioning, a good idea would be to close the shades and wrap a damp towel with crushed ice around your neck. This allows your body temperature to stay cool. Fans can also be of great help; it is important to keep your windows open so that you don’t turn your house into a convection oven. If you venture outside, carry an umbrella and water bottle with you and try to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Keep Children and Seniors Safe
One of the most important things to do when you come across a heat wave is to help out the vulnerable, these include children and seniors. Older people are more susceptible to the heat because they suffer from conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, which affect the body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Young children are also at a high risk of getting a heat stroke because they are active and tend to overheat quickly.
Find out if your Medications Increase your Risk
If you take medications regularly, you might be more vulnerable to the heat. Millions of people who take drugs for common conditions like allergies, high blood pressure, and other mental illnesses are more vulnerable to the heat because these medications impair the body’s ability to cool down. Granted, you shouldn’t skip your medications, but you should take more measures to stay cool and hydrated.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated involves more than simply drinking water regularly. You can also take practical steps to ensure that you are hydrated by eating hydrating and nourishing foods; after all, the body gets 20 percent of its water from food. Fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, celery, tomatoes, strawberries, and melons are all hydrating foods.
Adjust your Exercise Routine
Humidity can make it particularly hard to exercise, which means sweat won’t evaporate easily off your body to cool you down. That’s why you need to choose your exercise time carefully. Although you don’t need to do all your exercises indoors, if you choose to exercise outdoors, wear breathable light-coloured clothing and stay in the shade.
Cool Down Before Bed
Temperature plays a pivotal role in helping you sleep. If your room is too hot, you might find it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. That’s why it is vital to keep your room temperature at 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. If you do not have an air conditioning system at home, you can stay cool by taking a cold shower before bed, turning on a fan, and spraying water on your bed and pillowcase.
David Messiha | Staff Writer
