| Summer is upon us, and for most of us, it is a special | | | | - Avoid overexertion. Take regular breaks during |
| season of barbecues and beach weekends. But there | | | | exercise. If you really want to squeeze in your outdoor |
| are certain things to be wary of during this time of the | | | | workout during a hot spell, go out early in the morning |
| year. For instance, sunburn can occur even when the | | | | or in the evening, and stay in the shade. |
| temperature is not especially high. It turns the skin red | | | | - Drink up. Doing so, even if you don't feel thirsty, will |
| and can cause moderate discomfort. Even though | | | | help replace valuable fluids. Water is best. Avoid |
| severe cases can blister the skin, sunburn is usually | | | | alcohol and caffeine - both are diuretics, which remove |
| minor. However, repeated sunburn over many years | | | | fluids from the body by increasing urination. |
| may increase the risk of cancer. To help prevent | | | | - Eat light. Cold meals, such as salads, are best; use |
| sunburn, derm specialists suggest using a sunscreen | | | | the oven as little as possible. Replenish the salt and |
| with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 and | | | | minerals lost to sweating with lightly salted foods and |
| avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, especially | | | | beverages - salt tablets, however, are not |
| when it is at its strongest - between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. | | | | recommended. |
| Sweating and flushed skin are part of the body's | | | | - Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. Light colors and |
| natural cooling mechanism. Still, there are signs that the | | | | natural fibers, especially cotton, are the best choice. |
| heat is getting the best of you: Heat rash (also called | | | | Baseball caps or sun hats can also help by protecting |
| prickly heat) is marked by patches of tingling red | | | | the eyes from glare and shading the face. |
| bumps; painful spasms (or heat cramps) occur when | | | | - Just cool it. If you have air conditioning, use it. If you |
| the body sweats causing the muscles to lose minerals | | | | don't, make regular visits to air-conditioned public |
| and salt; heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, | | | | places, such as malls and movie theaters. If nothing |
| and, occasionally, fainting are symptoms of heat | | | | else, use a fan. It won't cool the air, but it will encourage |
| exhaustion; and heat stroke can occur when body | | | | the evaporation of sweat. |
| temperature rises to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees | | | | Remember that older folks, young children, and those |
| Fahrenheit) or more - sweating may subside or stop | | | | who are obese or suffer from diabetes, low blood |
| entirely, resulting in hot, dry skin, and the victim may | | | | pressure, or heart disease should be especially careful |
| become disoriented or unconscious. | | | | when the mercury soars. To enjoy summer in good |
| The body can be overwhelmed by extreme heat and | | | | health, protect your skin from the sun and observe |
| humidity, particularly if you overexert yourself. Take the | | | | these measures to beat the heat. |
| following precautions: | | | | |