Overheating can be Dangerous to Our Health
Throughout the country, many places have experienced much hotter temperatures than usual over the last couple of years including areas typically known for more moderate climates. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says it is not good for our brains and organs to be overheated for an extended period of time. They explain, “Sweating is the body’s natural cooling system, but when that’s not enough, there’s increased risk for developing the heat-related illness hyperthermia – signs of which include heat cramps, heat edema and heat stroke.”
While statistics report only 9 percent of American homes are without air conditioning, certain places such as along the West Coast may be as high as 50 percent and up to 20 percent for northern states. If you live in a home with it and are experiencing extreme heat, there are things you can do to stay cool. The first tip is to stay hydrated. Especially when the body is hot, it needs fluids to help cool down; and since sweating is our natural cooling system, it needs fluids to produce sweat.
Taking a cool shower or bath will bring down your body heat. A CNN article suggests using peppermint soap as the menthol in the peppermint activates the brain to tell you something you are eating or feeling is making you feel cold. If you cannot get into a shower, try wrapping cold washcloths or ice packs around your neck or place them on your wrist’s pulse points.
Other quick tips include wearing light-weight clothing in natural fabrics like cotton and to sleep in cotton bedsheets. If your area cools down during the evening and early morning hours, open windows on both sides of the house to help cool it down, and use fans to move the air through. As the morning heats up, close windows and shut the blinds and drapes. Close off unused rooms and try to limit cooking to early morning hours. Lastly, explore your city’s resources for staying cool including taking advantage of cooling centers.
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