5 tips to help you stay healthy in the heat and humidity

William Tillis, MD

Pulmonology

Summertime heat and humidity can not only be uncomfortable – it can be dangerous. William Tillis, MD, shared five tips to help you stay healthy and breathe easier.

“When we experience high temperatures outside we can be affected by the heat, humidity and the air quality. These can have negative effects for everyone, but especially those who may have lung disease and other health conditions,” said Dr. Tillis.

Dr. Tillis offered these five tips to help you stay healthy in the summer heat.

1. Avoid going outside. The best thing to do when the temperature rises is to stay inside during the hottest part of the day, which is midday. Staying inside at the end of the day may also be advised as that is when the air quality is the worst.
2. Enjoy the air conditioning. Spend time indoors in the air conditioning. If you do not have air conditioning, try to spend the hottest part of the day somewhere like the library or an indoor shopping center.
3. Stay hydrated. Don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink water. Stay hydrated throughout the day.
4. Take it slow and easy. Don’t overexert yourself. If you must be outside, especially during midday, take it slow and easy. Wear breathable clothes and stay in the shade as much as possible.
5. Go outside in the morning. If you want to spend time outdoors, try to do so in the morning before the heat truly sets in for the day and the air quality decreases.

“If you have respiratory symptoms from a health condition, be extra cautious in the summer heat as you are most at risk when the temperature increases,” said Dr. Tillis.