5 Ways To Stay Cool in Extreme Heat

The heat index in Charlotte has been brutal for the last couple of weeks.  It is hot when we wake up and hot when we go to bed.  Not much relief in sight for cooler temps.  Makes me long for October.

Do you know what the head index is?  It is defined in a quick Google search as a quantity expressing the discomfort felt as a result of the combined effects of the temperature and humidity in the air.  Today it is set to be 106 degrees.  Brutal.

Besides just being sweaty all the time there are some things you need to do when it is this hot out to prevent injuries or even death.  Yesterday I this comment by a medic on the news (paraphrased) “When your body overheats it does not have the ability to cool itself down and then it just dies.”  This is serious stuff.  Here is my short list from my research:

1. Don’t exercise outside during the heat of the day.  I see folks jogging at 3:00 p.m. and I have actually started slowing down so I can look and see if I think they need 911.  Limit outdoor exercise/team practices to early morning and late in the day when the temperature is cooler.
2. Drink plenty of water even when you are not thirsty.
3. Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke and what to do if you see any of these symptoms in someone or feel them yourself.  Click here for a great link to a CDC article.
4. Stay inside in air conditioning whenever possible.  Don’t rely on fans to keep you cool.
5. Pay close attention to your pets.  Don’t walk your dog or leave her outside in the heat.  Heat stroke is real in dogs too.  Click here for a link to an article about heat stroke in dogs.

It is just down right hot out there.  Use some good old fashion common sense when you are doing outdoor activities to avoid injury to you, someone you love and your pet.