It’s August. The sun is out, and the temps are turning up.
We have tips and resources you need to:
- Prevent sunburn.
- Stay hydrated.
- Avoid heat-related illness.
- Manage medication in hot weather.
- Protect yourself from ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Stay cool during the hot weather! Read our tips below and find more resources online.
Sun safe
Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is not just about avoiding a painful sunburn—it’s important for skin health.
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
- Apply extra during peak sun hours when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Limit direct exposure to the sun, especially during peak UV hours.
- Cover up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
- Choose clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of 30 or higher. UPF ratings show how much UV radiation a fabric blocks.
- Watch your skin for changes, including new moles or spots, and consult a dermatologist if you notice anything suspicious.
Beat the heat
When temperatures rise, your body may have a hard time cooling down.
- Look for symptoms of heat exhaustion—heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness and heat stroke —high body temperature, confusion, nausea.
- Take breaks in cooler areas during the hottest parts of the day.
Heatwave hydration
Dehydration can sneak up on you quickly, leading to health complications.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
- Reload electrolytes lost through sweating with sports drinks or coconut water.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine.
How heat affects your prescription medications
It’s important to consider how heat can impact not only our bodies but also the medications you rely on, including those for mental health. Heat can affect their stability and effectiveness.
- Store medications in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat.
- Your healthcare provider can offer guidance on storage and usage during hot weather.
Be ready for the heat
Spending time outdoors during hot weather can be enjoyable, but it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from the sun and heat-related risks.
- Stay informed about the forecast, temperature, and UV index.
- Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times.
- Listen to your body and take breaks.
Heatwave power outage
Power outages during a heatwave can pose serious health risks, especially when air conditioning and other cooling systems are unavailable. If your power goes out:
- Move to a cooler location, if possible.
- Use damp cloths or towels to help lower your body temperature.
- Avoid activities to reduce body heat.
- During the hottest part of the day, keep windows and doors closed.
- Stay informed about the outage.
- Keep food safe.
Hot weather safety for older folks
Older adults are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
- Spend time in cooler spaces.
- Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Schedule outdoor activities during cooler times.