Full Time RVer

We love the RV lifestyle. When traveling there’s usually plenty of relaxation and beauty that lifts the spirits. But summertime brings it’s hazards, and RVers are not immune to problems related to the season. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while enjoying the hot season.

Hydrate: Dehydration. Heat stroke. Heat exhaustion. Heat cramps. None of them sound fun, and most can be prevented. If your travels take you to hot weather, be sure to prepare. Keeping plenty of water in your system helps. Health experts advise if you don’t have kidney problems that drinking a pint of water an hour if you’re outdoors and exerting yourself. Don’t make alcohol part of your liquid intake, it simply accelerates dehydration.

If your compaion (or yourself) seems confused and they’ve been out in the sun, get medical help.

Watch out for heat related pain. Cramps are brief muscle cramps that happen during work or excercise in the heat. Calves, thighs, abdomen, and shoulders are particular targets.  Exhaustion happens when your body can’t maintain its normal functions because of fluid loss. Heavy sweating, intense thirst, dizziness, nausea, and a pulse either rapid or weak are signals of danger. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency. As water and salt dwindle in the body, body temperature rises substantially. A body temperature over 104 is a sure sign, although it can happen at lesser temperatures; disorientation, confusion, even coma can result. Call 9-1-1 for help.

Keep safe by keeping cool! Stay in air conditioned areas where possible, and take to the shade if outside.

Suntan Danger: Sun exposure can lead to skin burns, heat rash, even cancers. Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when possible. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. Keep your head covered. Apply sunscreen every two hours if you’ve sweated, been swimming, are in the wind, or at high altitude.

Thanks to the US Aif Force for the illustration

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