Health

Staying healthy in blistering heat

When it’s as hot as it’s been in Houston lately, it’s important to take the precautions necessary to stay cool. Wearing light clothing, taking refuge in air-conditioned buildings and staying hydrated will save you from heat-induced misery. | Photos.com

When it’s as hot as it’s been in Houston lately, it’s important to take the precautions necessary to stay cool. Wearing light clothing, taking refuge in air-conditioned buildings and staying hydrated will save you from heat-induced misery. | Photos.com

The temperatures in the last few months may not have been record-breaking, but let’s face it — it still feels like a furnace outside.

On most days Houston temperatures reached triple digits, averaging at five degrees above normal. On average, we have only a handful of triple-digit days, but this year, we had three times that amount

Why is it blistering hot? The obvious answer would be because it’s summer, but there’s a little more to it than that.

We have been blanketed by a hot dome of high pressure that is dominating the central portion of the US, causing an eruption of heat.

High temperatures along with relative humidities are the perfect mix for a scorcher of a summer concoction.

But don’t drink too much of this heat in. Heat exposure can be harmful.

According to the National Weather Service, excessive heat can threaten your life. Here are some things to keep in mind before you step outside.

Wear light clothing

Based on all the midriffs, short shorts, skirts and spaghetti-strapped shirts being worn on the UH campus, a lot of females already have this down to a tee. So for guys, the NWS website says to wear light shirts or light-weight shirts, shorts and light pants.

Drink plenty of water

The average person, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has 2.6 million sweat glands. These glands are activated when a portion of the brain determines that the body needs to cool down. Sweat evaporates off the skin, which allows for heat loss. When we sweat, we also lose water. So drinking water and staying hydrated is imperative. A dehydrated person is likely to have symptoms of heat illness.

If you’re thinking of reaching for an ice-cool brew, you better think twice. Alcohol consumption can make heat exhaustion worse and it can lead to heat stroke.

Keep your cool

Find an air-conditioned building between classes and cool off for a bit.

Even when the body is at rest, we produce heat internally through metabolism.

During physical exertion, though, working muscle produces heat at a much faster rate. This can elevate the body temperature, which can be hard for the body to control. Do your body a favor and keep cool as much as possible.

The CDC recommends that athletes, the elderly and especially children drink two to four cups of water every hour while active outside.

Stay safe

Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems like heat stroke.

People who suffer from high blood pressure, depression, insomnia or take heavy medications may be affected by extreme heat.

So for those who are required to stay out in the sun, like football players and band members, should be extra careful in the sun.

Make sure to stay in shaded areas in or around campus and wear proper sunscreen to protect against skin cancer. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply throughout the day.

Pace yourself

If you’re working out in the sun or exercising, make sure you monitor the amount of time spent outside, and take ample breaks in an air-conditioned area.

Use common sense

Try to stay informed about heat advisories. If you are more at risk of getting heat illnesses, then pick earlier or later times to head out.

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