5 Cool Tips to Help You Stay Healthy during the Summer Heat

1. Drink plenty of fluids

2. Wear appropriate clothing

3. Stay cool indoors

4. Electric fans may not prevent illness

5. Electric fans may not prevent illness

Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks — these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. If you don't have air conditioning, call your local health department to see if there are any shelters in your area. Remember that due to the COVID-19 pandemic there might be restrictions on places used to keep cool, like local pools, beaches and shopping malls.

Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, they will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover. For children, limit playtime at peak sun exposure time and familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illnesses. The hottest part of the day is typically around 3 p.m.