Dr. Troy Madsen from Emergency Medicine at University of Utah Health Care came on Good Things Utah with tips to stay safe in the heat.
He recommends to:
· Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
· Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
· Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library-even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
· Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:
o Infants and young children
o People aged 65 or older
o People who have a mental illness
o Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
If you must be out in the heat:
· Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
· Try to rest often in shady areas.
· Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels).
If you experience an emergency, call 9-1-1.
You can find more information by visiting the U of U Health Care website:
http://www.healthcare.utah.edu.
