There is no way around the summer heat. While the heat can be exhausting, there are ways to limit your exposure and find relief. For anyone who struggles with their respiratory health, the heat, humidity and smog can make summer unbearable. We want to share five tips with you so you can better manage your respiratory health this summer.
1. Check the Air Quality
You can find the air quality index in most weather reports. It measures air pollution, which can cause sneezing and allergies. It is measured from 0 to 500 and an index of 50 or less is optimal but up to 100 is still safe to be outdoors. If the index is over 100, it is best to stay indoors.
2. Wear Sunscreen
While it is important for everyone to wear sunscreen, it is especially important for any individual with breathing problems. Getting a sunburn can raise your internal body temperature and make it much harder to cool down once you are in the shade.
3. Exercise Indoors
If you are exercising outside during the day, it can be hard to avoid the heat but just remember it can make it even harder to breathe than usual. Instead of exercising outdoors, try exercising indoors at a gym or somewhere with air conditioning. If you must workout outdoors, try going swimming and take breaks often.
4. Stay Hydrated
This may seem self-explanatory, but remember to drink lots of cold water. Staying hydrated during the summer is one of the best ways to keep cool.
5. Avoid the Heat
The hottest times of the day are between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm. Since the heat can affect your breathing, it is best to do any outdoor activities later in the day or in the evening when it’s not so hot. You could also go outdoors early in the morning, but the pollen levels are generally higher then.
We hope these tips help you and your loved ones manage your respiratory health this summer. There are ways to manage the heat by making small adjustments to your daily routine. If you are looking for an allergy test or respiratory consultation, contact us today!