Sometimes you can’t get to a cool building right away. Maybe it’s late. Maybe the nearest cooling center is far. Maybe the day just got away from you. That happens, and it’s not your fault. Until you can get somewhere cool, here are small things that help your body handle the heat.
Drink water, even when you’re not thirsty
In high heat, your body loses water fast. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Take small sips often. Try to skip alcohol and drinks with a lot of sugar or caffeine, since those can dry you out more.
Get water on your skin
Wet a cloth, a bandana, or even your shirt, and rest it on the back of your neck, your wrists, or your forehead. Those spots cool your whole body down faster. A cool shower or splashing water on your face helps too, if you can.
Slow down and chase the shade
The sun is strongest in the middle of the day, usually from about noon to 6 p.m. If you can, save walking or hard work for the cooler morning or evening. In the hot hours, find shade and rest. Moving slower keeps your body from overheating.
Know this about fans
A fan by itself won’t cool you when it’s very hot out. Moving hot air around doesn’t lower your body’s temperature. A fan helps only when you pair it with a wet cloth or a cool drink. So don’t count on a fan alone to keep you safe.
A few more small things
Wear loose, light-colored clothes. A wet hat or cloth on your head helps. And if you take any medications, know that heat can hit some people harder — certain medicines can make your body more sensitive to it. A nurse or pharmacist can tell you if yours is one to watch. Try to keep your medicine out of direct sun and out of hot cars.
Know the warning signs
Your body will tell you when the heat is too much.
Heat exhaustion can look like heavy sweating, feeling weak or dizzy, a headache, feeling sick to your stomach, or cool, clammy skin. If this happens, get to a cool place, drink water, and rest.
Heat stroke is an emergency. The signs are different: hot skin that may be dry, no sweat, confusion, a fast pulse, or passing out. If you see this in yourself or someone else, call 911 right away.
There’s no shame in any of this. Asking someone for water, or for a cool place to sit, is a smart thing to do — not a weak one. Your body is worth protecting, and so are you.
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