If you are planning to spend this last (unofficial) week of summer vacation traveling anywhere in the Midwest, Southeast or Southwest portions of the United States be prepared to deal with another round of scorching temperatures.
If you thought the upcoming Labor Day weekend would bring with it relief from the recent heat wave that has been baking just about the entire country, weather forecasters say think again. Let’s face it; we can’t control the weather, but we can control how we deal with it.
Take it from me; nothing spoils a family vacation faster than severe sunburn or other heat-related illness. So to keep you and your family safe while you get in that last trip before school starts consider these helpful tips:
Don’t Forget The H2O. If you are traveling to a place where you will be spending an extended period of time in the sun remember to hydrate. Experts say to be safe, figure on one gallon of liquid refreshment (preferably water) per person per day. Believe me; you will be happy that you packed more rather than less. Sipping on water throughout the day will help prevent dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. Having water on hand is especially important if you are traveling with children or the elderly. I strapped two large bottles of water to my back when I took my 3-year-old to a strawberry farm earlier this summer. It wasn’t exactly comfortable hunching over rows of berries with 4-pounds of water on my back, but at least we stayed hydrated while we were picking. With kids, even if they only take a couple of sips each time you ask them, it’s still better than nothing. Also, by bringing your own water you save money at places that try to make a quick buck from thirsty ill-prepared travelers.
Beat The Heat With Bananas. Studies show snacking on a banana or downing a bottle of Gatorade will assist your body in replacing electrolytes, which can help reduce heat-related symptoms like headaches and nausea. The bottom line with this tip: resist eating foods that are high in sodium. Salty snacks such as chips, pretzels, fries, even pickles will make you retain fluid, which is exactly what you don’t want to happen when you are traveling on a blistering hot day.
Seek Shade. My daughter can spot shade from a mile away. If you are touring a city when it’s hot out it’s important to take a number of breaks and get out of the direct sunlight. (By the way, doctors say infants should never be placed in direct sunlight when the temperature is above 65 degrees.) If you are traveling with young children slather them with sunscreen (don’t forget the tips of their ears and the tops of their feet), add a hat, sunglasses, and place them under a protective covering like an umbrella. When you are done smearing them with SPF, apply some to yourself. And remember, just because it’s overcast doesn’t mean you’re safe from the sun’s rays.
Check back for more tips on beating the heat in my next blog.