It's a scorcher out there! 5 ways to prevent heat stroke

genConnect.com

As temperatures reach triple digits, it's even more important to stay cool to prevent heatstroke.

It's a scorcher out there!

The National Weather Service issued an "excessive heat warning" for New York and all of northeast New Jersey starting at noon Thursday, and much of the rest of the country is suffering from sweltering temperatures, as well, including North Carolina, Massachusetts and Virginia. Parts of the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley and Northeast expect to see triple-digit heat on Friday.

The heat is particularly dangerous for the very young and very old. Here are some tips on staying cool and preventing heatstroke, which can be brought on by high environmental temperatures, strenuous physical activity or by other conditions:

  • It may sound like common sense, but during conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.

  • Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages that don't have a lot of sugar, and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. Sports beverages can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.


  • Related:     Interview With Fiji Water Founder Lynda Resnick (VIDEO)

  • Outside activity, whether on the playing field or the construction site, must be balanced with actions that aid the body's cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness. Use a buddy system while playing or working outside, so someone else can notice if you become ill, confused, or lose consciousness.

  • If you must be outside, limit your exposure to the heat to during early morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas to give your body a chance to lower its temperature.

  • For babies and children, be sure to dress them in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.



For more tips to beat the heat:

For more daily expert updates, follow genConnect on Twitter and Facebook. To stay on top of genConnect's latest posts, as well as the latest contributions from experts on the site: Sign Up for genConnect.