Whew! It’s hot out there. Stay healthy and safe from excessive heat to prevent heat related illness. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion is dangerous. If you observe someone who’s been outside in the heat and they have a fast, strong pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea and confusion or pass out, get medical help for them immediately. You can help lower their body temperature with cool cloths while help arrives. You may be diligent with your workout routine, but if you are exercising heavily in the heat and get muscle pains or spasms, stop physical activity and move to a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink. Most sports drinks contain sodium, potassium and calcium for electrolyte balancing. Electrolytes are essential minerals that regulate nerve and muscle function, aid in hydration, balance blood acidity and pressure and help rebuild damaged tissue. Fruits and vegetables can also be high in electrolytes as a natural source. Drinking a beverage, however, pushes the electrolytes faster through the body, which can be important when under physical stress.
Hopefully you have air conditioning in your home to keep life comfortable. If not, try these tips:
Cook outside. If you don’t have a BBQ, plug in an electric frying pan outside where it’s safe to do so, like on a covered deck, and cook your food outdoors. Cooking indoors is probably the worst offender for heat production in the home, but BBQs can cook a huge variety of food, like bacon and eggs, or meat that you can store in the fridge for cold sandwiches. Some even cook flat breads, or soda breads with their barbecue. Other heat producers include hair dryers, dishwashers and lights. LED lighting is an exception.
Cover the windows. External blinds work the best, but if you don’t have a set of these installed, shade blinds inside the house work great for blocking heat. Thick blankets can be hung over windows to block heat, and insulating tinfoil, like the energy saving thermal covers on hot water tanks, efficiently keeps the room cool when placed against windows. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night because of the heat, try tucking in a couple ice packs. They feel harsh on the skin but can be wrapped in a soft terry towel or tucked into your favourite sock, so they keep you cool without the ice burn.
Drink plenty of water. Hydration is one of the most important ways to fight heat stress. Adding electrolyte fruits for taste and nutrition is helpful, and don’t forget – your pets need plenty of water too!
Keep a fan running for air flow. Fans help to lower the temperature and keep air flowing for easier breathing.
Getting into a hot car is miserable when temperatures soar to 40. Can you postpone car trips for a few days? Order groceries and pharmacy items online and have them delivered rather than going out to shop. If you can stay inside for a day or two until excessive heat passes, you’ll ride out the heat wave easier. Shop as early as possible in the morning to beat the heat, or better yet, shop online and have your items delivered to your door. Our online store is open 24/7 for convenient browsing. If you need your products delivered, select that option online when purchasing. We deliver products Monday to Friday. Summerland Guardian Pharmacy has been serving the local community for over a century and we continue to serve our community through the heat wave by offering convenient delivery services. Questions? Call us: (250) 494-3422.
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