Beauty Manual

We’ve now reached the middle of summer. This means outdoor tanning, long days at the beach, or hanging poolside. However, with much of the country experiencing record highs well above 100 degrees, we must be sure to take proper precautions while outdoors. Many will want to take advantage of the warm weather by spending the majority of their day outside, but we must remember that heat-related illness is something that must be taken very seriously. Because of this, the Center for Disease Control has published a great article on tips for preventing heat-related illness. I have included some of the main points below, but be sure to check out the entire article for more tips.

– Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.

– Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

– Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

– Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

– NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicles.

– Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.

– Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour.  A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.

– Try to rest often in shady areas.

– Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

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