Summertime is almost here and with it comes outdoor sports, hot temperatures, heat, humidity, and sweat. Keeping cool when temperatures reach record highs isn’t just about comfort. Dangerously high temperatures can result in heat-related illnesses ranging from heat cramps to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remembering basic tips can help you prevent heat-related illness during hot weather.
The following tips can help you keep cool all summer long:
- Wear loose clothing, preferably, of a light color.
- Cotton clothing will keep you cooler than many synthetic material.
- Fill a spray bottle with water and keep it in the refrigerator for a refreshing spray to your face after being outdoors.
- Fans can help circulate air and make you feel cooler even in an air conditioned house.
- Try storing lotions or cosmetic toners in the refrigerator to use on hot, overtired feet.
- Keep plastic bottles of water in the freezer; grab one when you’re ready to go outside. As the ice melts, you’ll have a supply of cold water with you.
- Take frequent baths or showers with cool water.
- Combat dehydration by drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.
- Some people swear by small, portable, batter-powered fans.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as these will promote dehydration.
- Instead of hot foods, try lighter summer fare including frequent small meals or snacks containing cold fruit or low fat dairy products.
- Use common sense, if the heat is intolerable stay indoors when you can and avoid activities in direct sunlight or on hot asphalt surfaces.
While the players will be getting breaks in between plays, it is just as important for the fans to take one themselves. The blazing sun has been beating down on the bleachers all day. Don’t let the heat dim your Friday Night Lights!