Summer holiday travel is very popular. It is important to avoid over exposure to the heat, especially for young children and the elderly. Here are some tips to stay safe in the heat.
1. Try to avoid being outside in the heat between 10 am and 2 pm. It is usually the hottest at that time. You can plan on doing some indoor activity at that time or try to stay in the shade.
2. Light colored clothing which is loose and light weight is the best choice for hot weather. Try to wear a wide brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. Wear full sleeved shirts made out of natural fibers like cotton which can breathe.
3. Use sunscreen (at least SPF 30) even if you are not planning on direct exposure to the sun. Check the label to be sure the sunscreen provides adequate protection and will not wear off quickly in water. Re apply sunscreen every few hours, even the strongest sunscreen can wear off in a few hours.
4. Drink a lot of water because it is easy to lose fluids in the heat. Do not wait till you are thirsty. It is better to drink small quantities of water throughout the day instead of large amounts at infrequent intervals. Do not consume excessive alcohol or drinks with too much sugar, it can cause dehydration.
5. Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can occur during extreme heat conditions. Heatstroke is a dangerous condition that can be fatal. It can come about suddenly and result in loss of consciousness. When the sweating mechanism fails it can lead to extremely high body temperature and make the skin hot, red and dry. You must cool the skin with cold water and ice and take the person to the hospital immediately.
6. Water and electrolyte loss can cause a less serious condition called heat exhaustion. The victim is fatigued and weak and may experience excessive sweating. Sometimes they may also experience muscle cramps because of salt depletion. Pale and clammy skin is a common sign. Provide rest and lost of fluids in a cool and well ventilated area.
Make sure you have adequate travel or visitor health insurance to protect you in case of an emergency. Speak to your insurance agent before you go out on your trip. Enjoy your summer!