When the Heat Catches Up With You

I recently watched someone close to me suddenly feel faint when sitting down for dinner. He had to lie down before he even finished eating. Thankfully, we were at home, but it was enough to concern me as this person rarely slows down. It was a reminder that heat exhaustion doesn't always show up while you're outside. Sometimes it catches up with you long after you've packed up and headed home.

After months of winter, I used to count the days until summer arrived, then try to squeeze every outdoor adventure I could into a few short months. Whether you're hiking a local trail, paddling a quiet lake, cycling through the countryside, or simply walking the dog, summer has a way of pulling us outdoors — and tempting us to do too much.

A little too much sun can leave you with an uncomfortable sunburn. Too much heat can leave you exhausted, dehydrated, or worse – on your way to the emergency room. The tricky part is that heat exhaustion often starts with something as simple as feeling thirsty, tired, or dizzy. Ignore those early warning signs, and heat exhaustion can quickly become heat stroke.

Fortunately, staying safe doesn't have to be complicated. A few simple habits can help you enjoy the season safely:

Start with water. 

By the time you feel thirsty, you're already behind. Drink water before you head out, sip it regularly while you're active, and keep drinking after you're done. 

If you're heading out for the day, pack more water than you think you'll need. Portable water filtration systems are lightweight, easy to carry, and can be invaluable if you're hiking or travelling in remote areas. Even so, I'd still rather have extra water than wish I'd packed more. 

If you're exercising for more than an hour or sweating heavily, you may also benefit from replacing electrolytes. You don't have to spend a fortune on sports drinks, either. A simple homemade version works just as well.

Timing matters.

The hottest part of the day usually falls between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you can, plan hikes, rides, or runs for early morning or evening instead. 

Dress for the heat. 

What you wear can make a big difference. Looking cool and staying cool aren't always the same thing. If you're hiking, running, or playing sports, moisture-wicking technical fabrics help pull sweat away from your skin and dry quickly. For casual outings, lightweight, loose-fitting natural fabrics like linen or cotton are comfortable, breathable choices that help your body stay cool.

Sunscreen is your best accessory in addition to a wide-brimmed hat. If you prefer a baseball cap, tuck a lightweight scarf or cooling towel under the back to protect your neck from the sun.

Pack for your needs. 

If you have asthma, bring your inhaler with you. If you're prone to low blood sugar, throw a few Life Savers in your backpack. They're cheap, they don't melt easily, and they'll come in handy more than once.

Learn the warning signs of heat exhaustion. 

Heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness, and cool, clammy skin all mean it's time to stop. Get into some shade, drink fluids, and cool your body down right away. Watch for confusion, loss of consciousness, or a body temperature above 103 degrees. If you think someone may have heat stroke, call 911 right away.

Don't forget your pets. 

Dogs overheat faster than people, especially on hot pavement. If the sidewalk feels too hot for the back of your hand, it's too hot for their paws, too. Bring extra water for them, and choose shady routes. On especially hot days, I even carry my dog to the park until we reach the grass. It may look silly, but I'd rather get a few smiles than risk burned paws. 

Most importantly, never, ever leave an animal in a parked car, even for a few minutes. If you need to run an errand, consider using curbside pickup or a drive-through, shopping at a pet-friendly business, or save it for another time. Your groceries can wait. Your pet's safety can't.

The truth is: heat is changing the way we live. It's changing how we exercise, how we travel, when we walk our dogs, and even how we think about something as simple as running errands.

By mid-July, more than 800 wildfires were burning across Canada, with smoke drifting as far as Toronto, Boston, and New York City, pushing air quality in these and some Midwest cities to rank among the worst in the world. Southwestern France and Spain are battling wildfires that have burned hundreds of thousands of acres and forced roughly 300,000 people and countless animals to evacuate, while heat waves threaten to make an already devastating situation even worse.

When I lived in my Harry Potter-like apartment in France, there wasn't even a place for air conditioning. I loved the charm, the romanticism, and the humbling realization that somewhere along the banks of the Seine, I'd been fooling myself. I was far more American than I'd ever cared to admit, especially when it came to baseball and air conditioning.

Here in Southern California, I've watched that same reality begin to change. People who once relied on the Pacific Ocean to cool things down are buying air conditioners because there simply isn't the relief there used to be. The other day, the ocean temperature reached 73 degrees, and there was little relief to be found. As much of the western United States is seeing above-average wildfire activity after one of the driest winters on record, none of this feels abstract anymore. It can still be denied, of course, but we are no longer far removed from the idea of "fire season," and heat warnings are stacking up in places that never used to need them.

It is a lot to take in, and it is certainly easier to brush it off when it doesn't affect you directly. Nevertheless, checking in on an elderly neighbor during a heat wave, handing a bottle of water to an Amazon delivery driver, or making sure a friend with asthma isn't pushing through dangerous air quality are no longer simply thoughtful gestures. They are becoming necessary measures.

As summers like this become less the exception and more the rule, looking out for one another may become one of the most important ways we adapt.

Does Your State Have Money Owed To You?

Does your State Treasury Department have money owed to you?

Search your name and state to check if you may appear in unclaimed property records, including funds from accounts, refunds, or deposits.

Search for Money

Put Your Predictions to Work

Trade on real-world events you already follow, from elections and inflation to sports, tech, and more. Choose “Yes” or “No” based on what you think will happen and see how your prediction plays out.

Pick your market and start trading what’s next.

Trade $25, Get Up to $500

_{Bonus credit varies from $15 to $500. Terms apply.}