When the weather in Buford starts rising, the chances of danger do so, too. Extremely hot temperatures can make it really hard for your body to cool down properly, making you very sick. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 700 people die from heat-related causes in the United States each year. To be ready to deal with the coming hot weather, you have to know what to do. You can stay cool and healthy no matter how hot the weather gets if you follow these tips.
1. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is the most basic thing to avoid heat-related illnesses. Your body naturally cools itself by sweating. This means that the hotter it gets, the more you sweat to cool yourself down. Because of this, you can quickly become dehydrated. To avoid dehydration, do not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. Drink fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated. Also, if you will be doing intense physical activity in hot weather, remember to replace the electrolytes your body loses when you sweat. Sports drinks, that are not loaded with sugar, can help you avoid dehydration and muscle cramps.
2. Limit Activities to Early Morning and Late Evening
Schedule your spring and summer outdoor activities in such a way that you avoid exposure during the hottest part of the day.As much as you can, stay indoors in an air-conditioned room. Plan your outdoor activities for early morning or late evening. This will keep your body temperature from rising to unhealthy levels as you avoid the heat of the day.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
If you have plans to go outdoors during the day, avoiding direct sunlight is a smart idea.If your activities allow it, complete them in the shade of a tree or building. Aside from avoiding sunburn, you can also avoid heat-related illnesses. Use sunscreen and wear a hat, as well, when moving around in the sun. You can also shade yourself with a solar umbrella. These umbrellas are made of material that blocks harmful UV rays and helps you stay cool as you go about your day.
4. Dress for Comfort
During hot weather, it is very important to adjust your clothing choices to help you stay comfortable throughout the day. Go for loose, lightweight, breathable fabrics. Tight-fitting or heavy materials will only trap heat and put you at risk for unhealthy body temperatures. If you want maximum sun protection, you can wear long sleeves and pants as well.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
You might think all drinks are designed to hydrate. Alcoholic or caffeine-laden drinks can dehydrate you. This is because these drinks cause your body to lose more liquids through urinating. Alcohol is especially dangerous because it can disrupt your body’s ability to absorb the water you drink.
6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
You may still feel the effects of hot weather even after taking all these precautions. If you suddenly feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a painful headache, those could be signs of a heat-related illness. If you have all these symptoms plus cold, clammy skin, you might have heat exhaustion. Even more serious is heatstroke, which includes symptoms like high fever, red, hot skin, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you are with experiences these symptoms, you should get emergency medical help right away.
Are you looking for a new Buford rental home that will help you stay cool during spring and summer? If so, contact us today online or check out our rental listings.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.