How to Deal With the Heat

When the warmer weather arrives, I like to hibernate and get away from intense sun exposure. It is hard for me to function properly when I feel overheated and uncomfortable. But rather than disappear during the warmer months, I have learned to cope more successfully and so can you.

How to deal with the heat #1 Avoid the sun

This may seem so obvious to you, but it is surprising how many people will spend hours in the sun as their skin bakes and their body temperature rises. Before they know it, they have a headache, dizziness and nausea. Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the way, between about 11:00am-2:00pm. If you must go outside, try to keep your sun exposure to a minimum.

How to deal with the heat # 2 Wear a hat and sunglasses

Hats may not appeal very much to you, but it is a good idea to invest in a wide brimmed straw hat and a good pair of sunglasses to help protect you from the sun's strong rays during the daytime. The body can easily overheat with the sun beating down on your head. But if you wear a hat, you are helping to protect yourself from the sun's rays. Sunglasses will also help to provide you with protection and make driving and other activities much easier to accomplish.

How to deal with the heat #3 Drink plenty of water

If you are spending a lot of time in the sun, or even just a short time, you will still need to stay hydrated. Take a bottle of water with you and re-fill it while you are out. The body will start to show symptoms of heat exhaustion if left without enough water. The classic symptoms are dizziness, nausea, incoherent speech, thirst and a headache. If this is not addressed, it can develop into heat stroke, and that can be fatal. So do not underestimate the need to stay well hydrated. It will help you cope much more effectively with the heat.

How to deal with the heat #4 Apply sunscreen

Do not assume that just because you have a dark skin tone that you will not burn or suffer in any other way. Anyone can suffer from sunburn if they spend a great deal of time in the sun without applying adequate protection. The higher the SPF factor the better protection you will have. Even though I have an olive skin tone and I do not usually burn, even in intense heat, I still apply a high SPF sunscreen when any part of my body is exposed to the sun. It only takes a matter of minutes for the skin to darken from the sun. You do not need to be sunbathing to turn brown. Just leaning your arm out of a car window will turn your skin brown.
Skin that receives regular exposure from the sun will quickly dry out and age more noticeably. Visible signs of aging include age spots and an older looking complexion.

How to deal with the heat #5 Wear cotton

Cotton is the best material to wear during the hotter months, as it allows the skin to breathe more easily. If you wear synthetic materials, your skin will feel clammy, uncomfortable and will not breathe as easily. Cotton also helps to absorb perspiration more easily too, which keeps the body nice and cool.

If you carefully take notice of some basic requirements and apply them, the hotter months need not involve trips to the hospital as you face dehydration and heat exhaustion. You can actually learn to enjoy yourself and get out more without endangering your health.