Beating the heat the first week of summer
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JACKSON, Tenn. — On this first official week of summer, we’re expecting to see our hottest temperatures so far this year. With that come serious dangers, and here’s what you need to know to stay safe. The hottest part of day is between 10 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon and is when doctors say you should stay inside. “If you get some outside activities done earlier in the morning or in the early evening, that would be preferred,” said Dr. Peter Gardner of Physician’s Quality Care. Thaddusc Golden tries to abide by that rule, starting his outdoor work around 6 a.m. “You get started early,” he said. “You get through by 12 o’clock, you’re beating the heat.” Physicians said it can’t be repeated enough — drink lots of water and sports drinks to replenish lost water, sodium and potassium in the body. “I’m staying cool by drinking Gatorade, Powerade, that you see,” Golden said. “And taking — about every 5 minutes— go under the shade tree and rest for a minute then go back and do what you do.” How you dress while out in the heat also makes a difference. Experts suggest not wearing dark colored clothing because it absorbs the sunlight. Light colors reflect the sunlight, helping you stay a little cooler. Taking breaks inside air conditioning also will help keep your body from overheating. Doctors say get inside immediately if you start to feel weak or nauseous. “Get some ice packs, put them on the front of the chest, back of the neck and under the arm pits and get a nice fan on them,” Dr. Gardner said. “That’s how you reduce their body temperature the quickest.” Doctors also encourage you to always protect your skin with sunscreen and wear hats if you’ll be in the sun for extended periods of time.
