First, lets talk about how extreme heat can affect your body.
Anyone can succumb to potentially deadly heat-related illness.
Humidity makes hot temperatures feel much worse.
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Your sweat can then absorb the heat from your body.
Then it slowly evaporates.
This removes heat from our bodies and makes us feel cooler, Dr. Young says.
But the rate at which sweat evaporates depends on how much water is already in the air around you.
This means on days of particularly high humidity, it may be more difficult to stay cool.
In addition, profuse sweating without replenishing fluids will eventually deplete the body of necessary electrolytes.
Its really hard to get reasonably cool without air conditioning, especially in stifling heat.
As a result, it supports your body in crucial temperature regulation.
Were one of the few species on Earth that will give up body water via sweating, he explains.
There are other factors to be aware of.
That could mean temporarily shacking up with relatives or friends orvisiting a community cooling centerif theyre available near you.
Your home can become a sauna without air conditioning in a heat wave, Dr. Pryor stresses.
What are some other safety tips to help you stay cool in the heat?
Go for lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothes (something like a cotton shirt or linen pants).
Heavy, form-fitting clothing obviously wont feel great when your skin desperately needs to breathe.
Remember, this is especially important when the indoor air temperature is tipping over 95 degrees.
Using a fan could cause your body to gain heat once the indoor thermostat tips near this number.
If you are going to be outside in high heat, start hydrating early, Dr. Young says.
(Having areusable water bottlenearby can help a lot when you need the reminder.)
Dr. Pryor recommends paying attention to your pee too.
If its the color of lemonade or lighter, youre good.
If its the color of apple juice or darker, you probably need todrink more water.
Your stove and oven give off a lot of heat and can make your space even steamier.
If you dont have shades or curtains, its not too late to invest.
Exercise is okay if you know how toreduce the time and intensity of the workout, Dr. Roberts says.
This kind of has an air conditioning effect, Dr. Pryor explains.
Cool water helps lower your body temperature quicklyand feels great.
This is the situation you should strive to avoid when a heat wave hits.
If you feel overheated, stop and find a cool spot to rest.
