As extreme temperatures continue in California, officials at Kaiser Permanente have offered some information on dealing with the heat as you focus on keeping yourself and your family safe and healthy. Here are some important tips to help you stay cool.
Drink plenty of water
Drinking water and other fluids helps you cool down and regulate your body temperature. It also helps replenish what your body loses through sweat. Here are some simple ways to stay hydrated:
• Drink a glass of water in the morning before you drink coffee or tea.
• Keep water near you, so you can take sips throughout the day.
• Avoid sugary beverages and alcoholic drinks.
Exercise safely
Consider moving your outdoor workouts inside — head to the gym or do some simple at-home workouts in your living room. If you exercise outdoors, try to do it early before the heat of the day peaks.
Conserve energy
Conserving energy protects the power supply that keeps us cool. Turn off lights and electronics you don’t need and use appliances like washers and dryers early in the day. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher, especially from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., if you can do so safely. You and your family can also go to a local cooling center — they’re open to everyone and are usually located at nearby libraries and other community centers.
For more resources on staying safe during extreme heat, visit ca.gov.