Although most people associate the sun with relaxing by the pool or achieving the perfect summer glow, the sun can also be extremely dangerous. 

Whether you’re on vacation in a hot location or you live somewhere that heats up in the summer months, it’s important to make sure that you stay safe in hot weather.  Without taking the right precautions, you can endure more damage than just a simple sunburn.  

Here are some of the best tips for staying healthy in extremely hot weather. 

Wear Protective Gear

It’s crucial that if you do go outside that you’re well guarded against the sun’s intense rays.  Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, as well as a hat, and appropriate shoes.

Sunwear is more than just fashion. It’s important to protect your body by wearing the proper accessories.  If you have younger children, it’s vital to always put a hat on them even if they’re only exposed to the sun for a short amount of time.

Babies especially have incredibly sensitive skin, which is susceptible even in cloudy weather. They also lack the same amount of hair as an older child, making their scalps even more vulnerable. When in doubt, always put a hat on their head!

Drink Plenty Of Water

Hydration is one of the most important parts of staying healthy in the heat. When your body is extremely hot, it’s constantly sweating. When you sweat, you lose the moisture in your body and risk dehydration.

Therefore, it’s critical that you drink water regularly throughout the day. Drink throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.  A reliable way to tell if you’re drinking enough water is to look at the color of your urine. Dark yellow urine indicates you’re not drinking enough, while light, almost transparent, indicates you’re drinking the correct amount.

You should avoid drinking alcohol or extremely sugary drinks since they increase dehydration.

Wear Sunscreen

In extreme heat waves, it’s not recommended to go outside at all. However, if you must go outside, it’s vital to apply sunscreen in addition to your hat and sunglasses.

Don’t bother with anything lower than 30 SPF and always reapply regularly if continuously exposed.

Avoid Strenuous Activity

Try to plan your day around the heat by avoiding being too active during peak hours.  If you work out, make sure that it’s in a temperature-controlled environment or indoor pool.

It’s easy to get overheated and suffer sunstroke, therefore, keep your activity minimal, especially if you’re a senior citizen.

Wear Breathable Clothing 

You should wear clothing which is breathable and allows air to flow throughout your body, Clothing which is too restrictive or thick, will encourage getting overheated. Stick with light and air clothes.