Beat the Heat

Take Care of Yourself in Hot Weather

Summer in Florida can be overwhelmingly hot, even for long-time residents. Heat stress, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are illnesses that can overcome you when your body is unable to cool itself.

Tips for Staying Cool
Factors Leading to Heat Stress
Symptoms of Heat-related Illnesses
Preventing Heat Stress
How to Treat Victims of Heat-related Illness

Tips for Staying Cool

Never leave children or pets in a parked car. The temperature inside cars can rise to 135°F in less than ten minutes, which can kill children or pets. If you see a child or pet left unattended in a parked car, you should call 911.
Slow down. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. At-risk Individuals should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress for summer. Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods that increase metabolic heat production--such as proteins--also increase water loss.
Drink plenty of water and other nonalcoholic fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. People who (1) have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; (2) are on fluid-restrictive diets; or (3) have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Alcohol dehydrates you.
Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. People on salt-restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.
Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day in an air-conditioned environment (during hot weather) can offer some protection.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes it harder for you to cool off.

Factors Leading to Heat Stress

High temperature and humidity
Direct sun or heat
Limited air movement
Physical exertion
Poor physical condition
Some medicines
Inadequate tolerance for hot workplaces

Symptoms of Heat-related Illnesses

Heat Exhaustion

Headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
Weakness and moist skin
Mood changes such as irritability or confusion
Upset stomach or vomiting

Heat Stroke

Dry, hot skin with no sweating
Mental confusion or loss of consciousness
Seizures or fits

Preventing Heat Stress

Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses, and monitor yourself and your coworkers.
Block out direct sun or other heat sources.
Use cooling fans and air-conditioning; rest regularly.
Drink lots of water--about one cup every fifteen minutes.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and heavy meals.