It’s hot and it’s humid out there folks. Even if you’re one of those who can’t get enough of the hot weather, it can be dangerous. Here’s some practical advice:
1) Drink lots of water. 6 to 8 glasses a day is recommended. Some of it can be juice or lemonade as long as you’re not watching your sugar intake. Go easy on iced tea and coffee because of the caffeine. By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already starting to be dehydrated.
2) Try to spend at least 2 hours a day in a cool place. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, do you have a friend who does? Get yourself invited over, say you’ll bring the lemonade! If not, try to get to a shopping centre, or take yourself to the movies! It’s best not to spend a lot of time waiting out in the sun for the bus, though. See if you can get someone to drive you.
3) Take at least one shower a day. A cool wet facecloth on the back of the neck can help cool you down between showers.
4) Reduce your physical efforts. You run every day? Good for you. Just don’t do it outside during a heat wave!
5) Wear light, non-restrictive clothing and,
6) this one hurts: avoid alcohol.
7) Contact family and friends, especially those with less autonomy or living alone, and make sure they’re okay. I would add:
8) if you have a pool, invite friends and neighbours over to use it!
Download this pamphlet from the government of Quebec:
A Heat Wave Prayer:
God of creation,
may the glistening beads of sweat upon our brow, remind us of our baptismal promises;
may the slowing of our paces and practices,
remind us of the sacredness of each moment;
and may the sweltering waves of heated air,
remind us of your Spirit which moves amongst us.
Keep safe those who work and those who play this day, as we tend to our neighbours in need.
Amen.
(from the Diocese of Niagara, 2013)