Your Health in the Heat

We’re all getting into and enduring the full swing of summer! While we may be focusing on other things, such as staying safe during the COVID-19 threat, it’s important to stay mindful of how heat waves can also cause serious health threats. 

Overexposure to heat can harm our internal organs and brain function, and can even require the need for immediate medical attention. By taking preventive measures during our hottest days, you can keep yourself safe and avoid heat-related illnesses that can be life-threatening. 

It’s important to know the signs of heat-related illness in ourselves and our family members. Signs can include feeling faint, dizzy, or weak, confused or disoriented, or sluggish in your thoughts or speech.

Here are several tips for beating the heat and improving your health this season:

1 - Escape the heat in an air-conditioned room or cooling center

2 - Put wet towels around your neck or a wet headband around your head 

3 - Loosen or change clothing that may be tight or restrictive around your body’s core

4 - Exercise indoors or wait until cooler parts of the day to exercise

5 - Replenish your body with more water than you would normally drink! Avoid soda, caffeine, or other drinks with high sugar content that tend to be dehydrating.

Summertime has its joys, but don’t forget that it also brings frequent and more intense heat waves that can impact your health. If it has been a while since you’ve seen a primary care doctor or have missed important health screenings, give us a call: 202-796-9775. We’d be happy to help take care of you!