It’s hot outside. It’s also humid, which makes it that much worse. How should you handle it?

                                           Hot Weather When Outdoors

Many like myself, are lucky to be able to stay or work indoors, where it’s cool. Others, like my husband, have to deal with this kind of heat, because their jobs are done outside. My husband knows how to do it, as do others who have worked out in this for years. But what about people just out and about, doing their errands or visiting a city, touring all day. It doesn’t take brain science, just some common sense.

If you must be outside in hot weather, remember to dress for it. Wear lighter colors, which reflect the sunlight away from you, unlike dark clothes which absorb heat. Wear a hat if possible, sunglasses and carry water. Water is still the best beverage to stay hydrated. Avoid soda and alcohol beverages if possible. Do your errands as early as you can, before the heat gets at its peak, usually later in the day.

For all the exercise people out there, most know to also do it as early as is possible. If you are older, and an avid walker, try to go before 10 am. It also won’t hurt to skip a day or two, especially when its hot and humid. If you tend to exercise late in the day, then wait until the sun goes down. It’s one less heat element you have to deal with, if you just need to get that workout in.

Of course, if you don’t have to be out in the heat, then don’t be. Be mindful of the elderly and younger children also, whose systems get taxed greater when it’s hot outside. Take it slow and find places to cool off at intervals of several minutes if possible. Stop inside a store and just walk around to cool off. Shopping malls, restaurants, libraries and museums all fit the bill. If you need to find a cool spot, you have some choices.

                                         And If It’s Hot on the Inside

Sometimes we find ourselves without any air conditioning at the worst times. On a hot day like this one, if your indoors is also to hot, you could end up in big trouble, physically. Most healthy people can withstand some time with fans running only. But for those with heart and lung ailments, you need to get into a cool place sooner than later. Age doesn’t matter here. People with cardiac problems or conditions such as asthma, need a cool environment. Go anywhere that has some cold. This weather is no joke, especially for people who are not 100% healthy. Why even healthy people, who aren’t smart about the heat, can find themselves in the emergency room.

                                        Hot Spells are On the Rise

Not only is hot weather and its intensity more frequent at this time of the year, but it is hitting places around the world and country, not known for such extremes in temperature.  Storms are more severe, cold is more intense and so goes the heat. Who knows how many more days this year, we’ll all be having to deal with this hot, humid weather. Be smart, be careful and remember, we’re all prone to having issues in extreme weather if not paying attention.