Health & Fitness:
Staying healthy means doing things you do not necessarily want to do in order to achieve the things you want. There is more to staying healthy than just eating less, and moving more. It also includes lifestyle changes that can redefine elder years.
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Surviving the Dog Days of Summer
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is a serious problem that can cause dire consequences if not properly addressed. So the best deterrent to the effects of dehydration is to maintain a good fluid level. This is not an easy task for many, but it is important to at least try to drink water every hour, especially during hot days or excessive exercise. Try to avoid sugary drinks such as soda and full-strength fruit juices because these can cause the water absorbtion from the digestive system to the bloodstream to slow. Alcohol and caffeinated drinks, may worsen the effects of dehydration.
Stay Protected
Melanoma is the leading cause of skin cancer death. However, the most common type of cancer is non-melanoma skin cancer. It represents half of all the diagnosed cancers in the United States. To help protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun, it is recommended that you use sunblock when going out in the sun. Also, make sure that your sunblock product protects from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the rays that cause cancer, deep wrinkles and skin discoloration. It is also the the rays that can absorb into your skin even when you are covered by shade or behind the safety of glass. Cloudy or wintry days are no exception. The suns rays may not feel as strong but they can be just as harmful, so the best bet would be to wear sunscreen whenever you go out.
Stay Aware
Are you aware of the signs of heatstroke? Brain damage and even death can occur as a result of heat stroke. The symptoms are as follows:
- Sudden Headache
- Feeling of Dizziness, LIght Headed, Weakness or Feeling Faint
- Shallow or Rapid Breathing
- Minimal or No Ability to Sweat
- Weak or Rapid Pulse
- Skin Appears Red, Hot, and Dry
- Temperature of 102 degrees or higher
- Vomiting
- Muscle Cramps
- Coma
When your body loses the ability to regulate heat, it begins to raise your core temperature leading to coma, brain damage, and even death. Heatstroke is not something to take lightly. It is very important to recognize your body's warning signs and take in pleanty of fluids. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing, and fabrics that allow your skin to breathe. By knowing how to minimize your risk, you can lower your risk for heat stroke.
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