There’s No Such Thing as “Too Cool” this Summer Break

Now that summer break is here, it’s no surprise that it has been getting warmer. These days, we either have the air conditioning a few notches colder or the electric fan turned up to the highest setting. Every drink is filled with ice and sleeveless clothing at the ready—we need to do anything we can to beat the heat.

Not only because the feeling is uncomfortable but because there are many risks with this rise in temperature. Heatstroke, which is when your body overheats, is one of them. This is one of the deadliest forms of heat exhaustion and can be fatal if not treated immediately. To avoid this, here are some tips to stay cool for this summer break.

According to Rush University Medical Center:

• Exercise in the morning or after sunset
  Stay fit during the summer but don’t let yourself overheat by doing it in the middle of the day where it is the hottest.

• Manage how intense you are working
  Because the heat is making you exert yourself more, you need to take more breaks to give your body a chance to recover.

• Wear loose, light, and comfortable clothing
  Dark clothing absorbs heat so try your best to avoid those or anything too tight that won’t allow your body to breathe.

• Pay attention to warnings about the temperature
  If the forecast says it’s going to be particularly hot that day, make sure you plan to stay indoors or avoid staying in the sun for too long.

Tips from Mayo Clinic:

• Wear your sunscreen and reapply it often
  Proper sun protection to avoid sunburns is important to help your body regulate itself against the heat, so be sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Reapply as often as necessary.

• Be extra cautious if you are on certain medications
  Some medicines can affect your body’s ability to self-regulate against heat-related illnesses or can make you more dehydrated so be sure to avoid excess sun exposure when possible.

• Become acclimated
  If you are not used to a higher temperature, be careful with how often you get exposed to the heat. The body can take up to a few weeks to adjust to the temperature, so wait until then before going outside for long periods of time.

From Health Matters New York-Prebysterian:

• Apply wet towels to your neck or wear a wet headband

• Avoid drinking too much caffeine, alcohol, soda, or juice
  These are all drinks that can lead you to become dehydrated quicker.

• Increase your water or sports drink intake
  Because your body is losing water more quickly, you will need to drink more to help keep your body hydrated.

Aside from these tips, if you feel any symptoms (such as lightheadedness, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, excessive sweating, or increased heart rate) seek medical attention immediately. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself from excessive dehydration and heat exposure. And most importantly, always drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Having fun in the summer should not be endangering your health so following the tips above can help with that.

Stay cool and hydrated Titans!

To contact Enderun Health Services please email them at enderunhealthservices@enderuncolleges.com or call them at telephone: (632) 8856 5000 local 512.