Heat wave: 8 errors that a doctor absolutely advises you not to do outside

Heat wave: 8 errors that a doctor absolutely advises you not to do outside
The rays grill, the sidewalks smoke, and the ideas melt faster than a forgotten ice cream in the sun. What to do – or especially not to do – when it is more than 30 ° C outside? Questioned by the Huffington Post, Dr. John Schumann, medical director of Oak Street Health, shares 8 behaviors that he avoids at all costs under a heat wave. And as much to say that we would do well to listen to it.

Because when the temperature is climbing, it is not only the most fragile that are concerned. In reality, Some current gestures become malaise or insolation traps. Here is, without filter and without fuss, the errors that a doctor refuse to do outside during periods of high heat.

He doesn’t only look at the temperature displayed

It is not because the thermometer indicates 30 ° C that everything is fine. Dr. Schumann especially reaches UV index and heat indexwhich combine solar radiation and ambient humidity. These two data influence the temperature really felt and therefore, the risk for health.

He never drinks only when he is thirsty

“If you are waiting to be thirsty for drinking, you are already dehydrated,” alerts the doctor. In the middle of a dodge, he always keeps a gourd at hand and hydrates himself continuouslyeven without feeling of thirst. Better yet, he adds it electrolytes or mineral salts (with a little honey or sea salt for example) to compensate for losses due to perspiration.

It does not touch alcohol in direct sunlight

Fresh beer in hand during the barbecue? Bad idea. “Alcohol will dehydrate you faster than you would do otherwise,” said the specialist. And this, even in moderation. Under 35 ° C, he therefore opts for water, frozen infusions or enriched drinksbut never alcohol during the day.

It absolutely avoids the hottest time slot

Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the sun bangs tirelessly. The doctor avoids any external activity during this critical period. Even a ride or a terrace coffee can become trapping. He reserves his outings early in the morning or at the end of the daywhen the temperature falls a little.

He takes regular breaks in the shade

Staying long under a direct sun, even without moving, can be enough to cause a heat stroke. The good doctor’s reflex? Seek As soon as possible and take regular breakseven if it means getting inside a few minutes.

He is actively protecting himself against bites

We often forget it, but mosquitoes, ticks and other insects love summer. The doctor insists: “We must be wary of diseases transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes”. He therefore uses Refulsive and light long clothesespecially near wet or grassy areas.

He never goes out without sunscreen or hat

It is not a coquetry, but a necessity. To avoid burns and sunburn, Dr. Schumann systematically applies sunscreen and door A wide -brimmed hat. A simple, but often neglected reflex.

He pays attention to his drugs

Last advice, and not least: Some treatments react badly to heat. This is the case of antidepressants, antihistamines, drugs for tension or antipsychotics. “They can disrupt thermal regulation of your brain,” he warns. Better to ask for the advice of your pharmacist before exposing the sun when you follow a treatment.