How Do You Prevent Heat Related Illness?
• Wear the appropriate clothing for the activity in which you are participating. • Dress in layers if you’ll be outside in temperatures that fluctuate throughout the day so you can remove clothing as you get warmer. • Wear loose-fitting and lightweight clothing so air can easily circulate through and around your body. • Avoid dark clothing, which heats up faster in direct sunlight. • Drink lots of cool fluids to keep your body hydrated. The more hydrated your body, the better it can regulate body heat. Water and sports drinks that replenish electrolytes are both good hydration choices. Never drink alcoholic beverages when you feel hot. Alcohol will only dehydrate your body more. • Get to a cool area if you feel hot. The best place to be on an extremely hot day is in a building with air conditioning. If you must be outside, find a shady area to sit and cool off. • Check with your doctor if you are taking any medications that may be affected by heat. Follow all doctor or pharmacist recom
