Beat the summer heat with these great summer tips!
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water! Thirst is the first sign of dehydration.
Check on family or friends!
Children and older adults are more at risk for summer related illnesses. Those who work outdoors or who spend a lot of time outdoors are more at risk. Be sure to take breaks and stay cool! Have a buddy system and tell others when you plan on spending time outdoors.
Stay hydrated
Thirst is the first sign of dehydration, so don’t wait to drink water. Make sure you drink 6-8 cups of water or more throughout the day to stay hydrated. Set an alarm while spending time outdoors to be sure you are properly hydrated.
Animals in the heat
Animals need plenty of cool water in the summer and a cool place to rest. Take care of your furry friends! Never leave an animal in the car. The temperature in a parked vehicle can range between 40-70 degrees hotter than outside.
Don’t have AC?
If you don’t have an air conditioner, then it’s time to visit your public library and check out a new book, see that movie you’ve been wanting to see or go shopping!
Be sure to check on family or friends who don’t have an air conditioning unit.
Be sure to apply sunscreen throughout the day
Wear a broad spectrum sunscreen that is at least an SPF 30 or more and re-apply as instructed. If you get sunburnt on more than 15% of your body and have a fever, headache or signs of dehydration, you should see a doctor.
Wear lose fitting clothing
Lose clothing breathes better on those hot days! Avoid dark clothes as they absorb the sun’s rays.
Cool down with a cold shower or bath
If you are warm, try cooling off by taking a cold bath or shower!
Heat-Related illnesses
Heat exhaustion
Excessive heat can lead to not just a sunburn, but to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can be heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, cramps in the abdomen or legs and exhaustion. If you or someone you love experiences any of these signs, be sure to cool them off. Make them rest in a cool area and have them replenish fluids by drinking half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 911.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses. When the body is too hot and cannot cool off, you are at risk for a heat stroke. If you are running a fever, have nausea, confusion, disorientation or lose consciousness go to the ER.