5 Tips For Staying Cool During a Heatwave

As the summer months begin to approach, many of us find ourselves getting ready for another wave of warm weather. While warm weather can be a wonderful thing, it can also prove to be dangerous, particularly for people over the age of 60. during a heatwave, you want to make sure that you stay as cool as possible, hello to avoid heat-related problems like heat stroke, sunburn, and dehydration. Here are some of the best tips for keeping cool when the sun is blazing during a heatwave.

Hydrate

When it’s extremely hot, our bodies sweat in an effort to cool down our bodies. However, if we don’t balance out our sweat with hydration, we may find ourselves lacking enough water. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to carry around a bottle of water in warm weather. Keep it in a backpack, or on a nearby table in your house. 

Get into the habit of sipping regularly throughout the day, and encourage your family members to do the same. Although it might be tempting to reach for a sugary drink like soda or juice, doctors recommend sticking to plain old water since sugary beverages don’t hydrate in the same way that plain water does.

Know Peak Hours

There are certain hours of the day that are more intense than others. Get to know what the peak hours are, and make sure that you stay outside of the sun during that period of time. In most places, the sun is at its peak from about midday to 2:30 PM. During this time, heatstroke and sunburns are the most likely, which is why it’s important to stay in a cool and shaded area if you can.

Dress Lightly

It may seem fairly obvious, however, many people fail to realize the importance of dressing appropriately for the warm weather. Avoid thick materials which can leave us feeling overheated and sticky. Loose cotton will allow your body to stay cool and increase airflow.

Wear a Hat

If you must go outside during a heatwave in the middle of the day, then you should consider wearing a hat. A hat can shield your face and chest, providing extra shade that you wouldn’t have otherwise. Also, protect your eyes with a good pair of sunglasses. It may not seem like a big deal, however, when the sun is at peak brightness, it’s possible to damage your eyes, particularly if the sun is reflecting off of a light surface like cement or sand.

Use Fans

Even if you have an air conditioner, it can be challenging to keep your house cool. One of the most effective ways to keep the airflow going is to make use of fans. Strategically positioning fans throughout your house can create a refreshing breeze, and encourage airflow throughout each room.