Do you tend to get overheated? This is common, especially during these hot summer months in Florida. We have to be careful not to let our bodies get too hot. When your body reaches an extremely high temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit, you can be more susceptible to having a heat stroke. Heat strokes are the most serious form of heat injury. Some signs and symptoms include: nausea, rapid breathing, headaches and more. We don’t want you to have a heat stroke, so here are some tips to prevent them:
- Drink Plenty of Fluids: Staying hydrated will allow your body to sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. Dehydration is a common cause of heat strokes so make sure you are drinking a lot of water! The Mayo Clinic recommends 124 ounces (15.5 cups) of fluid for men and 92 ounces (11.5 cups) of fluid for women.
- Avoid Strenuous Activities: During the hottest parts of the day, limit physical activities. If you are exercising outdoors, plan to do it in the early morning or evening.
- Take Caution with Medications: Certain medications can affect your body’s ability to stay cool and hydrated. Read the warning labels to make sure you don’t have a higher risk for a heat related injury.
“Drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged exercise and activities outdoors when temps are greater than 85 degrees. Take frequent breaks and dress in comfortable, cool clothing.”
Dr. Uyen Nguyen, Colony Care Center
If you happen to suffer from a heat related injury, call your doctor first. You don’t need to go to an urgent care facility. At The Villages Health, we have a doctor available 24/7. We also have on-site procedure rooms where we can provide you with IV fluids to re-hydrate your body.
To learn more summer safety tips, visit https://thevillageshealth.com/summer-safety.