Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

• Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• 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 possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. A few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort but when the temperature is in the high, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

If you must be out in the heat:

• 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.
• 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.