The best defense is prevention. Here are some tips for prevention:

  • Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of how much activity do. Do not wait until thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
  • Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
  • Stay indoors and, if possible, in an air-conditioning. If your house has no air conditioning, go to a mall or public library, even a few hours in an air conditioned environment can help your body stay cooler when you return to heat. Check with your local health department if there are shelters for refuge from the heat in your area.
  • Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is about 100 ° F, fans will not prevent related illness in the heat. Take a shower or a cold bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
  • Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing.
  • NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.



  • Although anyone can have at any time of heat-related illness, some are more susceptible than others. Check regularly on:
    o Infants and Toddlers
    o People from 65 years of age
    o People with mental illness
    o Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or hypertension
  • Visit adults at risk of getting sick at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Babies and young children, of course, should be observed more frequently.



If you must be outdoors in the heat:

  • Limit your outdoor activities in the morning and evening.
  • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: if you hold a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
  • Try to rest often in shady areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler), sunglasses and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “protection against UVA / UVB” in its labels).