Lowcountry Summer
Summertime in the Lowcountry is officially here; the heat, the visitors, brilliant sunsets, and of course, the beach. Summer IS the time for fun in the sun, but the warmer weather can also put extra stress on our bodies if we are not careful.
Whether you’re jogging, playing a quick round of golf, or going for a power walk, read our 5 easy precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses and injuries this summer.
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Cool Off
It’s no secret that summer is HOT, and staying cool should be one of your top priorities. Stay in air-conditioned rooms as frequently as possible to avoid the heat outdoors. Be sure to avoid sitting in hot cars, too, as the temperatures rise quickly. If you do go outdoors, take frequent breaks to rest, find shade, and drink lots of cold water.
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Drink Your Water – Stay Hydrated
The heat index and humidity can wreak havoc on the body here in the Lowcountry. If you are active outdoors, it is essential that you increase your water intake to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Every year many people are hospitalized for heat related illness caused by improper hydration and/or overexposure to the elements. Educate yourself on the symptoms of heat illness like fatigue, cramping, disorientation, and nausea.
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Stay Safe In The Water
One of the best ways to cool off during the summer season is to hit the beach, lake, or pool nearby. However, drownings and water-related injuries are serious concerns during the summer, so be sure to watch yourself and others while in or around a body of water. Never go in the water alone, learn and practice your swim skills, wear flotation devices if needed, and don’t hesitate to call for help if there is a situation.
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Watch For Signs of Heatstroke
Heatstroke can appear very quickly and, unfortunately, kills many people across the United States each year. Signs of heatstroke include muscle cramps or spasms, heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, headache, fainting, rapid pulse, and a high body temperature. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to hydrate and cool off to prevent a serious or life-threatening situation.
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Protect Your Skin
Sunburns are not only very painful, but they can leave you exposed to developing skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. So, apply a proper sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, and reapply every hour or two when out in the sun. And if you can, stay covered by wearing long sleeves, pants, and hats to ensure those harmful UV rays can’t hurt you.
Lowcountry Physical Therapists
If anything is holding you back from participating at your optimal level this Summer, consider an evaluation with a Horizon Physical Therapist. We are committed to helping our patients resolve their nagging injuries, optimize their performance, and be able to live life to the fullest.
Locate an office below and call to schedule an evaluation with us today.