Beat the Heat
Prevention is the best way to avoid excessive heat events. Air conditioning is one of the best protections—even a few hours a day in air conditioning can reduce your risk. Electric fans may seem comfortable, but when temps reach the high 90s, fans do not prevent heat-related illness.
Other ways to beat the heat include:
- Take a cool shower or bath.
- Drink a lot of fluids. If your doctor has limited fluid intake, check with them in hot weather. Avoid drinks with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar, as they cause dehydration.
- Ask your doctor if any of your medications make you susceptible to heat-related illness.
- Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- If you have friends, neighbors or loved ones who may be at risk, visit them once a day and watch for signs of heat related illness: hot, dry skin; confusion; hallucinations and aggression.