While summer means seemingly endless days of fun with friends and family, always remember that too much of playing or lazing under the sun may have unpleasant effects on your health. In a tropical country like ours, for example, the temperature can get sizzling hot, resulting in heat stroke or heat exhaustion among the young and adults alike.

Before you embark on a road trip with your family or attend your review classes at AHEAD Tutorial & Review Center with your friends, protect yourself from the harsh rays of the sun. Apply the appropriate amount of sunscreen. Wear comfortable clothes in light fabrics and soft colors together with a pair of shades and a wide-brimmed hat. Whenever possible, make sure you are indoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; these are the hours when the sun’s rays are at their strongest. More importantly, keep yourself properly hydrated by drinking more water and juices than your usual fill. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty.

Be conscious of the symptoms of heat stroke as well. A body temperature above 105 degrees Fahrenheit is the most obvious sign of heat stroke. Other symptoms include feeling dizzy and light-headed, experiencing bouts of nausea, vomiting, or muscle cramps, and having a throbbing headache and a rapid heartbeat. Consult a health professional the moment these symptoms become apparent.

Keep safe this summer!