Wet hair can help reduce how hard your body needs to work to stay cool.
Heatwaves breaking 100 degrees Fahrenheit have been rocking the US this summer with staggering temperatures that are soaring into the “dangerous” zone. Staying cool is of utmost importance, especially if you’re working or exercising outdoors. Everyone has their own unique tricks and a lot of active people swear by simply dousing themselves in water to stay cool. But does it really make a difference? Here’s a look.
Taking a cold shower before heading out
Women’s Running suggests you take a fast, cold shower before heading out for a game of soccer or some jogging in the heat. Of course, it’s likely best to do your exercising indoors on days that rank too high, but if this isn’t possible, getting wet can help. The water acts as a cooling barrier between your head and the surrounding environment, helping to keep your body temperature steady without as much effort from you. Your wet head won’t stay cool for hours but soaking your hair in cold water and keeping it dripping wet can certainly help. If you have long hair, WR suggests you wrap it up in a bunch or a bun. Take water in a bottle with you and continue to douse your head. For those with short hair, try wearing a cold wet hat or bandana for an added cooling effect.
Other ways to stay cool outside
The heat isn’t just hitting the US. Elsewhere in India and Europe record temperatures have also pushed outdoor workers into hospitals with heat exhaustion and worse, forcing humanity to slow down and, somehow, adjust to what might become a new norm.
Why are we seeing these temperatures? According to online reports, the air in the Arctic is heating up three to to four times faster than the rest of the world. This is smoothing out differences between northern and equatorial temperatures. Scientists are saying the heat domes lurking over large areas of the North American continent are caused by warming ocean temperatures that are being exacerbated by human-induced climate change.
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If you’re forced to face the hot temperatures outside and you’re female, you might consider placing ice cubes in a pair of old panty hose and sliding this down your back between your skin and a snug sports bra. Strange as it may sound, it can work. Having ice packs and frozen towels on hand can also help. You can also cool off by soaking your feet periodically in cold water.
Take these breaks when working in extreme heat
It’s essential to take breaks from the heat in order to allow your body enough time to cool down. If you don’t, you can experience heat exhaustion, which can be deadly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a comprehensive heat stress work/rest schedule available online. It warns that anyone working outside doing moderate work at 108 degrees Fahrenheit should do so with extreme caution. In other words, you shouldn’t work outside at all when it’s that hot. Even light work can be immediately dangerous to your health at these temperatures.
Workers performing heavy work in 104 degrees Fahrenheit weather should only work for 20 minutes and then rest for an additional 40 minutes. Any work done outside at 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above requires extra rest breaks in order to protect human health, the CDC details.
The signs of heat stroke
Stay safe and get inside periodically to cool down. Heat stroke happens when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees Fahrenheit and it can cause damage to your internal organs, including your brain. If not treated immediately, this can actually result in death, so you certainly have to be careful.
Signs of heat stroke can include:
- Headache
- A racing heart
- Skin turning red
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Confused or agitated mental state
- Slurred speech
- Irritability
- Seizures
- High internal body temperature
- Changes in sweating
Get immediate help by calling 911 if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke, and get inside or in the shade to cool off. Delaying help can have serious consequences for your health-act now!
photo credits: fran_kie/Shutterstock.com
