Listen to Your Body

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Summertime sports and activities can still be enjoyed safely when taking the proper measures. The best time to play tennis or pickleball in the summer is early morning or late evening. Hit the courts before 10 a.m. or early evening, if possible, and be well hydrated before you start playing. Once you wait until you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated. Bringing along bottled water containing electrolytes can be a good option when you are engaged in prolonged physical activity or a hot environment.

Common sense items like sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing go a long way to protect you during summer activities. Higher UPF ratings in fabric provide greater protection. A UPF rating of 50+ means the fabric allows less than 2% of UV radiation to penetrate your skin. Often overlooked is lip protection, so remember to apply a lip balm containing SPF protection. Using a lip balm without SPF can make lips more vulnerable to sunburn.

Heat exhaustion warning signs are serious and even more critical for older people. If you feel any of these symptoms it’s time to stop and get out of the heat:

  • Heavy sweatin
  • Cool, moist skin with goose bumps in the heat
  • Faintness or dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Low blood pressure upon standing
  • Muscle cramping
  • A pounding head or headache
  • Nausea

Heat stroke is a medical emergency and 911 should be called. Symptoms of heat stroke are the absence of sweating, confusion, disorientation, agitation and possibly even coma.

Remember: Hydrate properly, and when feeling the heat, cool down and take a break.

Medical Center Visiting Specialist update: Cardiologist Dr. Julio Barcena will be seeing patients at the Medical Center on July 18 and Aug. 15. Please visit Dr. Barcena’s page or call 305-367-6702 to book an appointment.