When the time comes that the weather heats up in Ocala, so does the danger. Getting too hot can make you terribly sick or make it definitely tough for your body to cool down properly. It is reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), that more than 700 people die from heat-related causes in the United States every year. To prepare and get ready for the oncoming hot weather, it’s relevant to know and figure out the proper things to do. By following these six tips, you can stay cool and healthy no matter how hot the weather gets.
1. Stay Hydrated
Proper hydration is among the most imperative things you can implement to avoid heat-related illnesses. The human body cools itself mostly by sweating. The hotter it takes, the more sweat your body will need to cool itself down. This can certainly make you dehydrated very fast. To stay hydrated, don’t forget to drink water throughout the day, not only when you happen to be thirsty. In addition, if you will be physically active in hot weather, take heed to replace the electrolytes your body loses when you sweat. Sports drinks can assist you to avoid dehydration and muscle cramps, however, make sure to avoid those with too much sugar.
2. Limit Activities to Early Morning and Late Evening
During spring and summer, it’s vital to schedule your outdoor activities to see to it that you can avoid being exposed to the hottest part of the day if at all possible. Stay indoors as much as you can, particularly in an air-conditioned room. If you do prefer to go out, plan your activities for early morning or late evening hours. This will help you to avoid the worst heat of the day and keep your body temperature from rising to unhealthy levels.
3. Stay Out of the Sun
When you do ever need to go outdoors during the day, it’s imperative to avoid direct sunlight preferably. If you can, complete your activities in the shade of a tree or building. This will effectively help you avoid not only sunburn but heat-related illnesses equally. If you need to actively move around in the sun, be diligent and use sunscreen and wear a hat. You can similarly make use of a solar umbrella to help shade yourself. These umbrellas are aimed to block harmful UV rays and can assist you to stay cool as you move or take walks around.
4. Dress for Comfort
When indeed the weather turns hot, it’s relevant to adjust your clothing choices to support you stay cool and comfortable throughout the day. The best and ideal options are lightweight, breathable fabrics that cover you loosely. Tight-fitting or heavy materials will just trap heat and put you at risk for unhealthy body temperatures. Opt for long sleeves and pants, if you can, for maximum sun protection.
5. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
Not all drinks are made to hydrate. Many drinks, especially those that contain alcohol or caffeine, can make dehydration worse. This is because of the fact that these substances may lead you to urinate more, causing your body to lose much-needed liquids. Alcohol is especially dangerous taking into account that it can interfere with your body’s ability to absorb the water you do drink.
6. Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses
Despite taking precautions, you can still find yourself feeling the effects of hot weather anyway. In the case that you or a person you’re with starts to feel dizzy, nauseous, or develops a painful headache, those are all signs that you can be at risk for a heat-related illness. You may have heat exhaustion if you exhibit all of these symptoms, and on top of that, have cold, clammy skin. The more terrible of the two, heatstroke includes symptoms like a high fever, red, hot skin, and a loss of consciousness. If you, all of a sudden, feel any of these symptoms, you should receive emergency medical help quickly.
Are you looking for a new Ocala rental home that will help you stay cool during spring and summer? If so, contact us today online or check out our rental listings.
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