How The Hot Weather Can Affect Your Life And What To Do

Although most people enjoy sunny weather, extreme heat can cause serious damage to your body and health. Because of this, it is essential to understand how hot weather can affect you depending on your age, activity level, daily habits, and more. During a heatwave, the temperature tends to stay high day after day. Therefore, you will need to learn how to take proper care of yourself and those around you. The longer you spend time in the heat, the more effects there can be, from dizziness and sweating to a heatstroke. Today we will discuss the different challenges hot weather can pose and what you can do to cope with the heat effectively.

Older People

Heat stress can affect the elderly more than others and this is why it is important to take precautions. People over the age of 65 may also be at a higher risk of developing heat-related illnesses, such as a rash, cramps, or potentially a heatstroke. Some risk factors include reduced mobility, certain medications, chronic medical problems, and physical changes. To avoid heat stress, it is advisable to stay indoors, wear lightweight clothing, and drink cool water regularly. You can help an elderly relative or friend by asking for a copy of their patient information, checking on them frequently, and ensuring they have adequate ventilation.

Active People

Exercising during a heatwave can put extra pressure on your body, so you will need to stay safe. It is important to be mindful of the air temperature and humidity, as combined with activity, they can significantly increase your core body temperature. Anytime you exercise, you should take precautions including drinking plenty of water, taking regular rest breaks, staying in the shade, wearing breathable clothing, and watching for signs of heat exhaustion. For longer exercise periods, you may want to consider sports drinks, which contain minerals called electrolytes to help you maintain endurance.

Vapers

Hot weather can be especially challenging for vapers. If your vape device does not work properly or the e-liquid does not taste the same, you may want to consider the effects of the heat. To help you address these problems, Vapekit has discussed the impact of hot weather on vapers. You will also find some practical tips to improve your vaping experience. While the majority of people will not experience issues with their device, this advice is precautionary. It is worth following these measures to make sure you continue vaping safely during the long summer days.

Children

You will need to watch babies and small children carefully during hot weather. Beware that they can lose body fluids quickly, which may cause dehydration. It is important for them to drink enough fluids and be dressed in light and loose clothing. Also, you will need to keep the environment your child is in cool to prevent heat-related illnesses. Choose the coolest room in the house for sleep and give your child a lukewarm bath or shower during the day. Avoid using cold water or ice in the bath and ensure the room does not get cold when turning on an air-conditioner.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women may also be affected by hot weather, as it can lead to swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet. Therefore, it is vital that pregnant women stay out of the sun, especially during heatwave conditions. Instead, it may be better to take a nap in the afternoon and rest. Time spent standing should be minimised and you may want to perform a few foot exercises at home to reduce swelling.

To feel less hot and uncomfortable, a lukewarm shower or bath might be helpful, as well as a water spray you can keep in your bag.

Sunburn

Sunburn can occur when bare skin is exposed to the sun for too long. As a result, your skin may get itchy, painful, reddish, and warm to the touch. In some cases, you may develop blisters, fever, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Moreover, in the long run, sunburn can increase the chance of developing skin cancer. If you have experienced sunburn, you should go back inside as soon as possible, drink plenty of water, and avoid popping your blisters. It may be helpful to use a cold and damp cloth to soothe the pain. To prevent sunburn in the first place, follow these handy tips.

Lower Blood Pressure

When the temperature rises, your body sweats to adapt. Apart from losing fluids and electrolytes, your blood vessels dilate to increase sweating. As a result, these processes can lower your blood pressure, which at times can lead to dizziness or fainting. If your heart doesn’t pump normally, it will be difficult to adjust to the great demand. To maintain blood pressure in hot weather, it is advisable to drink plenty of fluids, eat a healthy diet, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat when outside. In most cases, it may be better to stay home and avoid midday heat.

Dehydration

During hot weather, you may sweat away too much liquid, as well as other essential minerals, such as sodium and potassium. This may make you feel more thirsty than usual and your mouth and tongue may feel dry. You may even feel tired, dizzy, lightheaded and confused for some time. To cope with dehydration, you should head for a cooler place and drink something balanced with sugar and salt, such as oral rehydration salts. Remember to consume high-water foods, such as berries, melons, leafy greens, and celery, as this will help you recover faster.

Heat Rash

Often in hot and humid weather, you may sweat so much that your sweat glands get blocked. If your pores cannot handle the sweat, you might break out in tiny red bumps. It is likely that breakouts will appear on your armpits, neck, groin or elbows. The symptoms of heat rash are similar for adults and children. You can protect yourself from a heat rash by wearing light and absorbent clothing, such as cotton and staying as cool and dry as possible. To calm the itching, you may want to apply an ice pack in a tea towel for up to 20 minutes.

Fatigue

Spending just a day in the sun can make your body work overtime to prevent you from overheating. This means that your blood vessels will widen to allow for more blood to flow through your body’s surface. Your body is therefore able to dissipate heat and maintain its regular temperature. Similarly, with sweating, your body moves core fluid outside to cool you down. Although these processes are effective at keeping you cool, they may also leave you feeling fatigued. This is why, you may need to increase your water intake, avoid heavy foods, such as hamburgers and hotdogs, and reduce alcohol consumption.

Heatstroke

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are some of the most dangerous effects of heat and they require immediate attention. If your skin gets warm and dry, you might feel agitated and confused. Also, your

heart rate may increase and you may experience nausea and headaches. In this case, you will need to seek emergency care. Left untreated, heatstroke can cause seizures, a coma, and can potentially be life-threatening. It is crucial to find a cooler area and apply ice under your arms and between your legs, if possible. Remember to keep an eye on children and the elderly, as they can be more vulnerable.

Extreme Heat

There are many ways to prepare yourself for extreme heat and avoid the above heat-related illnesses. For example, you should stay aware of the weather, especially when there is a risk of a heatwave. It may be useful to stock up on water, food, and medicine so that you don’t have to go out during hot weather. Also, you may want to see your doctor for advice regarding your medicines when temperatures rise. Check that your air-conditioner or fan is working properly and maybe look into installing window coverings or external blinds.

Helping Others

In extreme heat, you may need to help other people who may be at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses. For example, it might be beneficial to keep in touch with sick or frail friends and family. Be sure to call them at least once a day during a heatwave. Encourage them to drink enough water and offer to support them by doing shopping or running their errands. If they are unable to stay cool in their home, take them to a cooler place or have them stay the night. Also, seek medical help, if you observe warning signs of heatstroke.

Using Health Services

If you have concerns about your health or someone else’s wellbeing, you can access a range of healthcare services. For minor and short-term conditions, you can ask a local pharmacist for advice or apply self-care with over-the-counter products. These may include rehydration mixtures and plasters. Alternatively, you can contact your GP for further medical advice and examinations or access a GP out-of-hours service. If you require urgent medical help, but you don’t need an ambulance, you can go to NHS 111. For a more serious condition, you should not hesitate to seek emergency help.