Wellness Weekly: Beat the Summer heat; Employee Wellness Center air conditioned

Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down, leading to heat-related illnesses. If left untreated, heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening. Here are some common types of illnesses from the Live Well, Work Well newsletter to keep an eye out for this summer:

• Heat cramps are a mild form of heat illness consisting of painful muscle cramps and spasms. These occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat, so moving to a cool place to rest and stretch cramped muscles is important.
• Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body, usually due to not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water.
• Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 degrees or higher within minutes. The person may also become confused or lose consciousness. The condition is the result of untreated heat exhaustion and a serious medical emergency that must be treated quickly by a medical professional.

Don't let the summer heat get the best of you. Consider these tips to prevent heat-related illness:

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages (e.g., coffee, tea and soda) that can lead to dehydration.
• Eat light, refreshing foods.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
• Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Do chores or other outdoor activities in the morning or evening.
• Stay indoors as much as possible or take breaks from being outside.

The Employee Wellness Center is air-conditioned and available from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Faculty and staff need to register for an Employee Wellness Center membership through the Rec Sports Member Portal. MUID card access is granted once sign up is completed and the waiver is signed.

See How to Register on the Employee Wellness Center site for more details on registration and the amenities at the center.

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