Keeping Safe in the Summer Heat

by Tori
(Tempe, Arizona, United States)

Although I'm no Olympic athlete, I went on a summer tour a few years ago with a drum and bugle corps. We had to do very intense physical workouts for as long as 13 hours a day, 7 days a week the entire summer, all outside in the summer heat across the country. We had several problems and heat-related injuries over the summer, so we had ot make sure that we were especially careful with taking care of ourselves. We learned to notice the symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. You learn to notice really quickly when people aren't acting like themselves anymore, which is one major symptom. When people start looking like they are dizzy, it's important to make sure they are okay. Fainting and nausea are also two symptoms that come later. If somebody is showing symptoms, get them into a cold pool or cover them in water right away to lower their body temperature, and have them drink plenty of water.
To prevent any heat injuries, it is very important to drink a lot of water, especially the day before. Drink more water than you think you need to. It is also important to get all of the nutrients that you need to last the day, especially if there is a lot of physical activity planned. Some tips include wearing light clothes. Wear a lot of sunscreen, and keep your head cool by wearing a hat and keeping it wet. Take a break every once in a while to recharge. Get a good night's sleep and eat at least three healthy meals during the day.
Heat injuries are a serious issue when working outside in the summer, and have resulted in many deaths and hospitalizations over the years. I have seen many people taken away in an ambulance due to heat exhaustion, and it's not pretty. Protect yourself from heat and skin cancer and know the warning signs.