Climate Changes–Running Hot & Cold

Keep Your Cool!

It’s hard to beat a warm, sunny vacation during the middle of a cold winter. Follow these precautions to handle the heat safely.

1. Wear loose fitting clothes so air can circulate.
   
2. Wear natural fibers of cotton and linen instead of synthetics.
   
3. Wear light colors as they reflect the sun’s rays.
   
4. Drink lots of fluids. Six 8 ounce glasses each day are recommended.
   
5. Alcohol, anti-nausea drugs and antihistamines can interfere with your body’s ability to cool itself. Limit their use.
   
6. When it is hot and humid, avoid strenuous exercise.
   

Beware Of Too Much Sun

Limit your exposure to strong sun. It can cause dry skin, premature aging, and skin cancer. Protect yourself from sunburn by doing the following:

• Avoid the sun between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, when the rays are the strongest.
  
• Use a sunscreen. The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number, the more ultraviolet rays are blocked.
  
• Eat foods rich in Vitamin A or beta carotene, like carrots or cantaloupe, as they help protect against sunburn.
  
• Wear sunglasses that are designed to filter out ultraviolet rays.
  
• Avoid perfumes or aftershaves as they may promote sunburns.
  
• Be careful when snow skiing at high altitudes. You may feel cool, but there is less atmosphere to filter light.
  

Treatment of Sunburn

1. Apply something cool to the burn, like wet towels.
   
2. Take aspirin or acetaminophen to reduce inflammation and discomfort.
   
3. Drink plenty of fluids.
   
4. Apply a dry gauze bandage if your skin blisters.
   

It is important to keep warm in a cold climate. Here are some warming suggestions.

1. Dress in layers. Many layers of light clothing are more effective than one heavy layer.
   
2. Silk, wool and polypropylene are the best fibers for warmth.
   
3. Wear turtlenecks and long underwear as they will trap body heat.
   
4. Wear a hat, as about 50% of your body heat is lost through your head.
   
5. Stay dry. If you feel dampness next to your skin, change your clothes.
   
6. Wear two pairs of socks and a pair of shoes that have plenty of room for your feet.
   
7. Avoid alcohol, caffeine and nicotine before you go outside. They affect blood circulation.
   
8. Cover your mouth and nose with a scarf. This will help warm the air you breathe.