By Janine Dumaguin
The dry season has just started, but judging by the heat we are currently experiencing, the dry season is going to be… let’s say “too hot to handle.”
But fret not! There are ways to keep your cool this dry season.
Extreme heat is coming our way, but we can beat the heat by taking measures and considering the following tips to stay safe and cool.
Stay hydrated
Too much heat exposure can cause dehydration which is a primary contributor to heat exhaustion and as this hot weather makes you sweat, that only means that you’re losing fluids.
So drink more water as much as possible and don’t wait until you’re thirsty!
Hydrating is one of the most important things you can do during this hot and humid weather.
Wear comfortable clothing
What we wear also plays an important role this summer season as it can protect us against the sun as well as allow our body to cool, helping us prevent heat illness.
When you know you will be exposed to direct sunlight, always consider wearing long sleeves to cover your body to avoid sunburn.
Yet, also keep in mind that airflow help keep the body cool so wear light weight, loose fit, and breathable clothes.
Also, light-colored clothes are encouraged as they reflect the heat better than dark-colored clothes.
Put on sunscreen
Excessive sun exposure can lead to painful and dangerous conditions caused by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Consequently, UV rays are strongest during the summertime.
Applying sunscreen is crucial to combat these UV rays. Both UVA and UVB rays are absorbed and reflected by sunscreen.
So before heading outside, always remember to put on sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You can also wear caps and sunglasses.
Avoid the sun between 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
As the sun is highest in the sky and therefore hottest between noon and 2:00 p.m. or between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., as much as possible avoid going outside at this time.
You don’t have to fully avoid the sun, but you should also frequently escape it by going indoors or finding some shade especially when the sun’s rays are strongest.
Keep cool
Most of us wait for this summer season, but when it’s too hot for too long, this summer heat can bring health risks.
Overheating can make symptoms severe for people who already have breathing or heart difficulties.
So always check the temperature in every space where people at higher risk are likely to be living or sleeping.
Keep your living space cool or seek out air-conditioned rooms. It is also advisable to close windows during the day and draw your curtains at night when the temperature outside has gone down. You can also use a fan or take cool showers.
Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings
In these very unpredictable days, it is always the best way to check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings. It is very essential for us to be able to prepare for many upcoming activities we plan.
In order to organize our day, know what to dress, and be ready for potential natural disasters, we must look over weather forecasts in any event. It is better to be prepared all the time. – gb
