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Hot-Weather Safety Tips
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Wear lightweight, light colored,
loose-fitting clothing. |
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Apply Sunscreen with a sun protection
factor (SPF) of at least 15 to exposed areas of the body. |
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Wear a wide brimmed hat. It will provide
some shade and keep your head cool. |
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Use air-conditioning. Fans are okay, but
they’re not enough to prevent heat-related symptoms |
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Avoid hot foods, and keep your meals light. |
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If you’re exercising, drink two to four
glasses of water an hour. Check with your doctor if for any reason (such
as heart problems) your fluids need to be restricted or you’re taking
diuretics. |
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Don’t leave children or pets in your car,
even for a “few minutes.” It doesn’t take long for excessive heat to
make them sick. |
If You
Overheat…
When you sweat profusely, you lose salt, minerals, and
water. I don’t encourage my patients to take salt tablets. If you find you
are perspiring heavily:
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Stop what you are doing and go to someplace
cool. |
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Drink fluids – water, fruit juice, or a
sports drink. Whatever you drink should not be ice cold, because that
can give you stomach cramps. And “fluid” definitely does not include
alcohol, which actually causes dehydration. |
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