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How Do I Avoid Heat Stroke?

The key to beating the heat, of course, is prevention.

Marilyn J. Heine, MD, an emergency physician in Bucks County, offers the following tips for keeping cool and healthy despite the sweltering sun and humidity.
  • Don’t overexert yourself.
  • Drink a quart of fluids an hour.
  • Wear loose clothing light in color and fabric, as well as a hat and sunblock, and stay in the shade or indoors if possible.
  • Open windows and use fans, or turn on air conditioning. If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a public place that does, like a mall, library, or movie theater.
  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can speed up dehydration.
  • Finally, be a good neighbor—check on elderly and chronically ill persons regularly to make sure they’re bearing up under the heat.
The Pennsylvania Medical Society encourages young and old alike to stay cool and enjoy the dog days of summer in good health.
Last Updated: 12/17/2008
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