Let’s face it—August in Alabama feels less like summer and more like standing in a giant outdoor sauna. While it’s tempting to hunker down indoors all season, getting outside safely can still boost your mood, energy, and overall health. The key? Avoid overheating, which can sneak up on you faster than you think—and it’s no joke.
Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, and people with chronic health conditions. Your body has to work extra hard to stay cool, and that added stress can lead to heat exhaustion or even a life-threatening heat stroke. Staying cool is more than a comfort—it’s a health priority.
Here are six simple, smart ways to enjoy the sunshine while keeping your cool:
1. Skip the Sizzle: Go Out Early or Late
Plan outdoor time—walking the dog, gardening, running errands—during the cooler morning or evening hours. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the sun is at its most brutal. You’re not missing out by waiting—it’s strategic survival.
2. Hydrate Like a Pro
Your body loses water faster in the heat, even if you’re not sweating buckets. Aim for 6–8 glasses of water a day. Not a fan of plain water? Infuse it with citrus slices, cucumber, or mint. Stay ahead of thirst—it’s a lagging indicator, not a warning.
3. Dress for the Weather, Not the Runway
Loose, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen helps your body regulate temperature. Outside? Shade your face with a wide-brimmed hat and don’t forget broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapplied every two hours.
4. Keep Your Home a Haven
Close blinds and curtains during peak sun to block out heat. Use fans to circulate air, and if you need a quick cool down, try a cold shower or a damp washcloth on your neck or wrists.
5. Know the Red Flags of Heat Illness
Heat exhaustion looks like fatigue, heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea. If symptoms escalate to confusion, flushed dry skin, or a racing pulse, you might be dealing with heat stroke—a medical emergency. Call 911 and get to a cooler place ASAP.
6. Check in and Reach Out
A quick phone call or visit can make all the difference. Older adults, people living alone, or anyone without air conditioning are especially vulnerable during heat waves. Be that person who checks in—it’s an easy kindness that could save a life.
A few mindful habits can help you and your loved ones stay safe, healthy, and even enjoy the summer. Don’t underestimate the power of heat—but don’t let it steal your joy either.
Summer doesn’t have to be off-limits. With just a little planning and awareness, you can soak up the sunshine without putting your health at risk. Whether you’re checking on a neighbor, refilling your water bottle, or choosing to walk before breakfast instead of in the midday sun—it all adds up. Heat safety isn’t about missing out, it’s about making the most of the season while protecting the people who matter most—including you.
