Beat the heat with these summer safety tips
The University of Kentucky Public Relations & Strategic Communications Office provides a weekly health column available for use and reprint by news media. This week’s column is by Patrick Grace, M.D., medical director for the UK Albert B. Chandler Hospital Emergency Department.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 26, 2026) — Summer is here, and temperatures will be rising in Kentucky. No matter how you choose to spend your time in warm weather, it’s important to take care of yourself to avoid heat-related illnesses.
Too much heat is not safe for anyone, but unfortunately, the risks increase with age. Changes in your body naturally occur, making older adults more susceptible to dehydration. Additionally, they are more likely to have chronic illnesses or take medications that affect the body’s ability to control its temperature.
Staying cautious and getting relief quickly is the key to avoiding heat-related illnesses. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age or wellbeing. Here are some tips for staying safe in warm weather:
- Drink plenty of liquids. Hydrate throughout the day by drinking water, fruit/vegetable juice or electrolyte drinks. Hydration should be approached proactively — don’t wait until you feel thirsty. Drink at least seven cups of water (or about 57 ounces) of fluids every day.
- Stay inside. The easiest way to avoid the risks of heat is to stay in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
- Wear appropriate clothing. When it comes to heat, you should wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing. Cotton fabrics also tend to feel cooler and more breathable than synthetics.
- Take cool showers/baths. Water is one of the quickest ways to cool your body down when you’re overheated.
- Avoid unnecessary heat in your house. Keeping your shades, blinds and/or curtains closed during the hottest hours of the day can avoid adding extra heat to your home. Limit usage of appliances that produce heat, such as your stove or oven.
- Wear sunscreen. Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and reapply throughout the day. A sunburn can result in other health problems and cause you to feel warmer. Wearing hats, sunglasses and protective clothing is also helpful in protecting you from harmful rays.
Dehydration and other heat-related illnesses can cause serious health issues. If you start experiencing dizziness, nausea, headaches or confusion, seek medical attention immediately.
UK HealthCare is the hospitals and clinics of the University of Kentucky. But it is so much more. It is more than 10,000 dedicated healthcare professionals committed to providing advanced subspecialty care for the most critically injured and ill patients from the Commonwealth and beyond. It also is the home of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit that cares for the tiniest and sickest newborns and the region’s only Level 1 trauma center.
As an academic research institution, we are continuously pursuing the next generation of cures, treatments, protocols and policies. Our discoveries have the potential to change what’s medically possible within our lifetimes. Our educators and thought leaders are transforming the healthcare landscape as our six health professions colleges teach the next generation of doctors, nurses, pharmacists and other healthcare professionals, spreading the highest standards of care. UK HealthCare is the power of advanced medicine committed to creating a healthier Kentucky, now and for generations to come.