Scorching heat? Experts say to avoid these eight dangerous habits

In recent weeks certain parts of the United States have experienced extreme weather, with the record temperatures being surpassed in central, eastern and Midwest areas.

Weather warnings have been in place after a ‘heat dome’ trapped air over certain areas, producing triple-digit temperatures and stifling humidity. Worryingly, such examples of heatwaves appear to be increasingly common but not everyone knows how best to deal with the tough conditions.

Luckily, help is at hand. David Eisenman, co-director of the UCLA Center for Healthy Climate Solutions, spoke to NPR about the best ways to protect yourself and outlined eight key mistakes to avoid when battling the heat.

Give yourself time to acclimatize - You may want to stay in cooler, air-conditioned buildings for as long as possible but you should also be careful not to change environment too quickly. If you’re planning an outdoor activity, maybe a hiking trip, prepare for it by spending time outside in the days leading up to it to get your body ready.

Don’t forget to pre-hydrate - Hydration is key, but ‘pre-hydration’ is just as important. If you feel thirsty before you start a hot weather activity your body will struggle to get back to proper hydration while you’re working out. If you feel thirsty, you’re already dehydrated.

Remember to check cars - Eisenman warns of a “mini greenhouse effect” in cars on hot days, so be careful that you’re not underestimating the temperatures in a car. It is estimated that around 50 children die every year because they were left in a car on a hot day.

Avoid mixing certain medications - Some medications like blood pressure drugs are diuretic, meaning that they try to expel fluid from your body. If you use them on hot days, it could make you more vulnerable to dehydration. Check with your doctor to see how your should deal with the high temperatures.

Don’t ignore the signs of heat-related illness - You probably know the symptoms of overheating: nausea, sweating, fatigue, dizziness and headache. But in a busy life, it can be easy to ignore those tell-tale signs of a serious issue. Take them seriously or your condition can degenerate terrifyingly quickly.

Don’t be slow when seeking medical help - If you observe any of those symptoms, make sure that the person in question is taken to a cooler place and given liquid to re-hydrate. But if things dont start to improve within 30 minutes, Eisenman recommends seeking help. “I think sometimes people wait too long to call 911,” he said. “If their heart rate is going fast, if they’re breathing quickly, if they seem at all confused, those are all indicators they’ve had more exposure to the heat than you can handle."

Avoid dark, heavy clothing - Wearing clothes that fit loosely make it easily for your body regulate temperatures and makes you feel more comfortable. Setting out in the right clothing at the start of the day can make a real difference to how you feel.

Alcohol is not a good way to hydrate - An ice-cool beverage can seem refreshing but it will be doing more harm than good as you battle against the heat. It not only dehydrates you but it will also impair your judgement, making it more likely that you miss the signs of serious, heat-related illness.

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