Hot Summer Tips For the Body

Summer is a time for sun and fun, and by definition is the warmest time of the year.  However, studies from climate experts and environmentalists estimate that due to climate change the temperature have risen about 2.6 degrees.  The past few years, each year has excelled the previous one as recording some of the hottest temperatures.  There is also a marked increase in heat waves.  Heat waves are natural and have always occurred as a result of heat being trapped in the atmosphere, but the climate change greenhouse gas emissions have made heat waves more common and more intense.

Heat waves can be dangerous.  In 2023, the Environmental Protection Agency reported more than 2,300 deaths from heat related illnesses.  Infants, children, pregnant women, elderly and people with underlying health issues are particularly vulnerable.  Muslim families should therefore take precautions to protect all family members from heatwaves by being prepared, responding quickly and keeping cool and hydrated.

Prepare

• The best way to prepare for a heatwave is to monitor the weather forecast so the family is aware when a heat wave is coming.
• Make up an emergency kit for the heat wave.  This is especially useful if you experience a power outing or going on a trip
  • Heat related illness checklist.  Download a hard copy and save an electronic copy.  Check out sites like this.
  • List of doctors and nearby hospitals – save on cell phone or have a list in a visible place – especially pediatricians and obstetricians 
  • Electrolyte salts, powders or drinks.  These may be obtained from all major drug stores and big box stores.  
  • Water or water bottles for each family member.  You can also freeze water overnight to use in the day.
  • Cooling towels with your emergency kit.  You can buy cooling towels or use your own small towels which you would wet and place around neck or forehead. 
  • Thermometer so you can monitor the body temperature in case someone starts to appear disoriented or sick.
  • Handheld fans
  • Batteries
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• Service air conditioning unit in home and car – break downs may take weeks to be repaired
• Make a plan for seniors or family members who live alone about their care and comfort during a heat wave.
• Plan family activities and especially children outdoor time in accordance with the expected rise in temperatures.
  • On expected hot days plan for children playing outside in the early morning after fajr.
• Wear sunscreen with a high SPF. SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and measures how much protection from UVB rays is offered by the sunscreen thus preventing sunburn.  The higher the SPF, the higher the protection.
• Wear light colored loose clothing.  For Muslim women consider light colored hijabs made from cotton.  Cotton is a more breathable fabric, and lighter colors reflect the heat.  The whole family should consider all-over loose-fitting clothing as this reduces sun direct contact on the skin and reduces sunburn which can happen to all skin pigmentations.
• Keep books, puzzles, games, toys, arts and crafts, fabric, video on hand for in-door activities.

Respond quickly

• At home if you notice or someone complains of excessive thirst, sweating, heat rash, dry mouth, weakness, dizziness, nausea or arm and leg cramps it is important to cool and hydrate the body.
  • Check for fever – if high call emergency
  • give electrolytes
  • hydrate with water
  • move to a cool place in the home
  • apply cool wet cloth to head and neck
  • sit under an electric fan, turn on a fan.  
• If symptoms are more severe call the hospital Emergency Department or an ambulance.  Call immediately if a family member experiences fainting, rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, confusion, seizures, dry diapers in baby, fussy baby crying without tears, diarrhea, sunken eyes, and clampy wet skin.  For pregnant women and elderly seek immediate help for any swelling on any part of the body, severe muscle cramps and early contractions. 

Keep cool

• It is important to understand that the bodies of infants, children and seniors react to heat differently.  

• Infants don’t sweat effectively, and their growing bodies are in the process of learning how to regulate their temperatures.

• Children also sweat at lower levels than healthy adults and only begin sweating at a higher temperature making them vulnerable to late response under extreme heat.  
• Seniors often have decreased body regulation like children coupled with underlying health issues related to age and sensitivity.

• Keep the house cool – use air conditioning or fans to circulate air.
• If you only have fans, this can be coupled with a cooling towel around the neck.  As the wet cloth evaporates water this serves as a cooling effect on the body.
• Close blinds in house to reduce excessive sunlight heating up the room
• Use cooling centers if there is no other access to cool air
• When outside stay in shade and stay well hydrated
• Take advantage of wu’du to wet the body and help cool it down
• Shower or wet whole body when needed
• Seek out cooler areas of the home like basements
• Wear breathable fabric like cotton or linens

Author bio: Mahasin D. Shamsid-Deen is the news curator and content manager for Muslim Network TV (MNTV) and contributing writer for Sound Vision.  She holds a Master’s degree in English Writing and has worked as both a High School and College ESL Instructor and Writing Instructor for more than a decade.  Mahasin has numerous published articles, books, essays and is a published playwright with three award winning stage plays.  She is currently writing her dissertation for her doctoral degree.