weather psa - heat dome

[readera]

Hey US people please be aware of a heat dome is going to be present in the Midwest & northern US. Summer is coming right on time with the summer solstice & it is hitting hard. The heat is coupled with humidity with makes it feel much hotter. 

Tips for surviving humid heat
- stay inside in air conditioning esp during the hottest parts of the day (10 am - 5 pm) 
- when going outside use sunscreen, & reapply it! wear light colored loose clothing that covers your body. 
- drink water and electrolytes, more if you are outside. Not just Gatorade or packets of electrolytes but you can eat salty foods or drink things like tea or lemonade with salt & sugar. homemade electrolyte drinks work too. 
- take a nap! If you can do so during the hottest part of the day. 
- take lots of cool showers or baths and change clothes frequently.  You get sweaty even when inside
 If anyone else has any other tips please share them in the comments or provide links to reputable advice. 

Huffpost article

Comments

Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Check cuisine and especially beverages from sweltering locales. They are designed for this problem.

10 Rich and Flavorful Lassi Recipes

Lassi Recipe (Sweet & Salt Lassi)

15 Cool and Refreshing Agua Fresca Recipes

There are also cooling foods and herbs:

Top 22+ Cooling Foods and Herbs (and Their Benefits)

25+ Foods to Replenish Electrolytes

What Is The Best Salt For Hydration?


Another thing to consider is context. Shade and transpiration both protect against heat. So an area protected by trees will be much cooler than one exposed to baking sun or tall buildings. My yard, which is mostly shaded, averages 5-10°F cooler than the surrounding fields. If you want to visit a park, look for a leafy one. If you have a yard which is not already protected by trees, consider planning ahead to plant some in fall or spring.

Nothing will screw you worse than information that used to be true. High heat can cause acute kidney injury. This used to be, past tense, consistently a temporary problem. Serious, but a hospital could treat it and most people recovered without permanent impact. Such is no longer true. Chronic kidney disease is a signature injury of climate change. The most prevalent seems to stem from two sources: 1) repeated incidents of acute injury and 2) long-term stressors. Less common but also known are cases of heat injury so extreme that a single incident does lasting damage.

Employers often refuse to protect worker safety. In most cases, your job is not worth your life. If your employer forces you to work in dangerously hot conditions, especially without precautions (e.g. a cooling room for breaks, limitless cold water, and bathroom access) then get out while you still can. This is especially true if you experience heat-related symptoms (e.g. dizziness, muscle cramps) that do not go away after cooling off or replenishing water and electrolytes. If you are an employer, don't murder people, take workplace precautions.

Re: Yes ...

[readera]

Thanks for sharing all the information! Most of what I know is from living in texas as a pale person who doesn't do well in the heat. It's nice to see it extrapolated on & some new recipes to try too!

Re: Yes ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Normal southwestern weather: Carry a gallon of water per person in case of stranding.

Southwestern heat wave: Add at least one extra gallon and make sure the water starts off cold.