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Top Tips for Staying Safe in the Summer Heat
Former Member
Posts: 487 Listening Ear
Since temperatures are climbing, I thought it might be a good idea to start a thread for people to leave their top tips for staying safe and protected during the summer months. Here's a few to get us started:
Make sure to comment with your tips below!
- Always apply sunscreen - although technically you should wear an SPF all year round, it's especially important to keep your skin protected from around mid-April to September. The NHS website recommends that you wear an SPF of at least 30 to protect against UVB, though SPF50 is preferable. Make sure to apply liberally, and don't forget your ears and feet!
- Stay hydrated - this one seems really obvious, but a lot of people don't stay adequately hydrated during summer. Don't forgo water in favour of fizzy drinks!
- Plan ahead - if you're going to be outside for extended periods of time throughout the day, make sure to check your weather app not just for the temperature, but the pollen count and UV index as well. That way, you can stock up on hay fever medication and appropriate sunscreen.
Make sure to comment with your tips below!
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My top tip is to always remember to pack your sunglasses - it is so important to protect your eyes!
I would suggest having a good amount of time each day out of the sun. Too much sun can cause headaches and general feeling illness, even without realising its happening. Take care of yourself!
I'd say if you're not someone who spends a lot of time out doors and has a trip outdoors coming up, to spend a bit of time outdoors everyday before and slowly increasing your time outside. It can be a big shock to the body if you suddenly spend several hours outside in the sun if you haven't been exposed to it much before. It might save you from sun stroke if your body is prepared!
It's good to hydrate in the heat but is equally important to remember that your electrolytes need replacing too.
Think electrolyte tablets and or smart water!
If you have mild heat exhaustion(really hot, headache, confused, nauseous etc)
Get inside, get cool(get a cold shower, put feet in a bucket of water, or a cold flannel on your head) Raise your feet, lie on a sofa and keep them raised slightly. Drink plenty.
Liquids lost through sweat while laid down need replacing more than through exercise.
While hydration with exercise is important, our bodies hold the liquid(retain it) to preserve it, it's important to sip and not gulp
Remember if you're ever concerned or worried the NHS website is your friend x
have a cold shower and leave hair wet
Keep hydrated but make sure you don't over hydrated yourself and spend the night in the toilet being sick like I do a far bit,
If you do any of the symptoms of heat exhaustion (mentioned above) and your outside head home or rest under some shade for a bit, if it feel like it's getting that bad then call someone to pick you up.
Yoy may feel quite nauseous or confused or really hot, just go an lay down for a bit with ice or something cold around you (tonight's dinner maybe because that need defrosting)
If you feel dehydrated it's normal a sign that your quite dehydrated, a good way to tell for males (idk if it's the same for females) is if your pee is a darker shade of yellow or orange then you need to drink some water, if its colourless then your alright and just stick with sipping water, if your peeing a lot every hour and it colourless you might want to hold back on the water
Cold showers as their quick you can just jump in abd out, as other have said, leave your hair wet,
Dont use fans when sleeping if you do have alleges as it blows dry mucus into your nasal passage which can cause it to be blocked and can send dust up their too
If your room is warming then it is outside or if their is a bress then open your window but close the curtains or blinds, to stop the sun light from heating up your room more
I keep reading what tips others have as I struggle a lot in the summer
Smart water is definitely worth it - I've only just recently started drinking it.
electrolytes can be replaced through diet, but if people don't have a varied diet or exercise/stay in heat for an hour or longer replacing them is a good idea.
You can get tablets In most shops but the smart spring water you buy bottled is vapour distilled and has electrolytes in them
Some regular spring waters do too, I think princes gate does, just read the label
Like @Past User mentioned, it's really important to be aware of the medication you take. But also essential not to forget to take it. For me, even missing one day can trigger withdrawal symptoms like dizziness and nausea. Those can be 10x worse in the summer heat.