4 Summer Survival Tips, Plus signs and recovery methods for Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion4/25/2019 Summer is sincerely a fantastic opportunity to get back on track. However, there are definitely added challenges that can happen that you might not have had to deal with during the school year or other seasons. In this post, I'm going to break down healthy summer habits that you can integrate into your everyday life to make sure you're prepared for these hot days ahead. I don't know where you are in the world, but in Tucson, AZ it's been in the 90s for the past few days (and only getting worse). Although I only have a couple more weeks here, the heat reminded me that self-care sometimes has to be about daily activities so that you don't have to deal with heat stroke--something that we rarely have to deal with during the fall and winter months. I want to prevent you from having to succumb to the summer elements, so here are my recommendations for summer self-care:
1) Drink plenty of water Luckily, Hydroflasks and saving the planet are in style. I find that if I have my water bottle with me, I'm more inclined to use it. Also, I know that iced tea, soda, sports drinks, and other sweet drinks sound better, but this is your body wanting the sugar along with hydration. Although they are drinks, they do not provide the hydration that water does--it's necessary to our survival for a reason. If you need something sweet because your body is used to it, I'd recommend kicking that craving with a La Croix or coconut water! 2) Wear light-colored clothing I know that summer fashion isn't kind to a lot of body types or those of us who love wearing all-black everything. However, lighter colors will help with heat absorption and will keep you cooler longer! 3) Sunscreen I've now made putting on sunscreen part of my morning makeup ritual--after my moisturizer, before anything else, and it's been incredibly helpful. Too much sun exposure can cause cancer, burning, and harsher wrinkles/signs of aging. So, treat your future self to a cancer-free and younger-looking life! (Based off an experiment I did in middle school, 30 SPF is the best option, anything above that is pretty much useless) If you're worried about breakouts, Neutrogena has some fantastic options--even for those of you who may be allergic to some sunscreens! I'd highly recommend a lotion rather than a spray because it gives better and longer coverage. 4) Change your workout surroundings If you're a fan of outside workouts and activities, make sure you plan them accordingly. Although it stinks to have to change up your schedule, morning and evening hikes, runs, sports, etc. will be much better for your body than those in the late morning/early afternoon when the sun is in full force. Also, some gyms have indoor tracks and all of them have air conditioning, so why not change up your routine a little so that you can be comfortable? Pools can be amazing for a full-body workout as well, but make sure you wear some water-proof sunscreen before jumping in! Now, what should you do if you are a victim of heat stroke or heat exhaustion? (By the way, I am first-aid and CPR certified through American Red Cross if you want my credentials.) Heat Exhaustion symptoms: headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, elevated body temperature What to do: drink water (hydrate), go into a cool or shaded area, monitor yourself and see if it goes away in 20-30 minutes. If not, then take heat stroke actions. If the person starts vomiting or faints, call EMS (911) immediately. Heat Stroke symptoms: confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, hot skin, profuse sweating, vomiting What to do: call EMS (911), check the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), remove from heat, begin to cool the person if possible I hope these tips and information help you get ready for summer! And, if you haven't already, go drink some water! Have any additional ways that you like to take care of yourself during these hot summer months ? Let me know in the comments!
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AuthorElena B. Archives
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