The Japanese hot and humid season is here!

Every year, the media advises us to be careful with heat stroke. It is said that the risk of heat stroke increases by wearing masks.

Let’s go through the updated prevention measures, which also keeps in mind the prevention of COVID-19 infection!

★This article is written based on Ministry of Environment’s website:
https://www.wbgt.env.go.jp/heatillness_pr.php (Japanese) 

１．Get away from the heat!

・Use the Air Conditioner (air-con in Japanese)
┗ to prevent infection: don’t forget to get air circulation, also make sure the temperature is set not too cold

・Don’t push yourself too hard on hot days/hot hours
┗ don’t go out if unnecessary, take a lot of breaks

・Wear cool clothes
┗ when going out, wear summer hats, use sun protection umbrella

２．Drink water frequently!

・Drink water before you feel thirsty
┗ not after you feel thirsty because that could be too late. Drink even if you are not thristly yet!

・1.2 liters per day
Q. Do coffee and beer count?
A. Caffeine and alcohol have a diuretic effect, which means that your body will remove more water from your body than you drink. So don’t forget to drink water at the same time if you are having caffeine or alcohol!
You can also enjoy decaf drinks as well as water!
<Reference (Japanese)＞
https://diamond.jp/articles/-/209290?page=2

・Don't forget to take “salt” too
<Reference: 9 recommended "salt tablets” (Japanese)>
https://macaro-ni.jp/57491

３．Take off your mask if necessary!

・Wearing a mask in high temperature and humidity increases the risk of heat stroke.
Q. So when can I take off my mask?
A. Outdoors, when you are more than 2 meters away from others
If you cannot take off your mask make sure you drink water more often than usual

４．Build your body so you don’t get sick

・Exercise the right amount
┗ let your body get used to the heat
┗ but don't forget to drink water! Don’t push yourself too hard!

・Go to bed early and sleep well.

・Eat properly, eat nutritious food
<Reference: Foods and Nutrition for Summer Heat Exhaustion (Japanese)>
https://park.ajinomoto.co.jp/kenko/ natsubate/eat/

５． Check your health regularly!

・Measuring your body temperature is good for preventing heat stroke!
┗ high temperature is one of the symptoms of heat stroke

・Don’t push yourself when you are not feeling well

It's a hot season, but let's get through this together!