In 2021, there were over 1,500 heat-related deaths in America… and many of them could’ve been prevented. As most of the country is still in a heatwave, here are some mistakes you shouldn’t make if you want to survive the heat, both figuratively and literally.
- Not taking it seriously enough. Just because you’re young and healthy doesn’t mean the heat won’t have an effect on you.
- Not hydrating properly. Drink lots of fluids, even when you don’t feel like you’re thirsty.
- Exercising at the wrong time of the day. Workout outside during a cooler time of day and do workouts that are good for hot weather.
- Not knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Pay attention if you have faintness, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, heavy sweating, a weak, rapid pulse, low blood pressure when standing, a headache or muscle cramps.
- Not cooling your home correctly. Keep your curtains/blinds closed, don’t leave doors open, don’t add heat from appliances, and change or clean your AC’s filters!
- Wearing the wrong clothes. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing that’s made out of cotton or linen.
- Not checking in with vulnerable people. Call anyone you know who may be elderly, young, or have a health problem and see how they’re doing.
Source: Lifehacker