Dr. Paul Auerbach is the world's leading outdoor health expert. His blog offers tips on outdoor safety and advice on how to handle wilderness emergencies.See all posts »
Beat the Heat
The most effective ways to avoid heat-related illnesses are to:
- Stay well hydrated. Adequate water ingested during exercise is not harmful, does not cause cramps, and is your best protection. If you are sweating a great deal, you should consider replacing electrolytes by drinking an electrolyte-and sugar-enriched beverage such as Gatorade.
- Be very watchful of the very young and very old, as they do not regulate body temperature well.
- Stay in shape.
- Don't drink alcohol or use recreational drugs.
- Condition yourself for the environment.
- Wear clothing that is appropriate for the environment, so that you can shed layers as necessary.
- If you are sweating, towel yourself off frequently.
- Stay out of the sun on a hot day.
- Avoid taking medications that inhibit the sweating process.
- Finally, use common sense - if you are in the heat and feeling poorly, seek shade or another cooler location as soon as possible.
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