Summer Survival

Many times summer heat can cause unusually high temperature levels that can last for several days or even longer. In the case of a severe heat wave people can even endanger their lives due to heat-related illnesses. Extremely high temperatures put people at risk every year.

When your body’s temperature control system is overloaded due to high temperature levels you can suffer a variety of heat-related problems. The normal method the body uses to cool itself is by the process of sweating but sometimes conditions are such that even sweating may not be enough to keep your body cool. In some cases your body temperature can rise quite rapidly and this may cause a serious risk to your health. Your body is not designed to withstand very high body temperatures for an extended period of time.

There are a number of different things that affect the ability of your body to properly cool itself during high summer temperatures. One of the main causes of your body’s inability to cool itself properly is extremely high rates of humidity. Sweat doesn’t evaporate as readily when the humidity levels are high and this will result in your body being unable to cool itself in an efficient manner. Several other things can also limit your body’s ability to cool itself properly and should always be taken into account when considering outdoor activities in the summer. A person’s age, their health or medical conditions, along with a failure to keep your body properly hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, can cause a situation where the ability of your body to regulate its temperature is impaired.

Use a little common sense and protect yourself from the approaching heat of summer. Drink plenty of fluids, use appropriate sunscreen or sunblock lotions and creams, wear the appropriate clothing (the three levels of summer clothing - loose, light weight, and light colored) and don’t forget to include a good pair of sunglasses to safeguard your eyes and a wide-brimmed hat for your head. Replace the minerals and salts lost by your body with electrolyte beverages, limit your alcohol intake, and take steps to avoid over-exertion or strenuous physical activities during the hotter parts of the day that could cause your body to overheat.

It’s still a short time away but the heat of summer will slip up on you if you aren’t prepared and can cause serious health problems as a result.


Got sweat?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker