Staying cool in the summer heat
Many of us love the summer and all the outdoor activities that go along with it.
Long walks, playing at the park, sports, swimming, hiking, and so much more.
While all all of these activities are very healthy for you, the heat of the summer can actually be a danger to your health.
There are more heat related deaths than any other natural weather occurrence including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods combined.
Each year thousands of Americans fall victims to heat related illness. Most often times it is the young and the elderly who are most at risk but heat can have an affect on all of us unless we use our common sense and take precautions.
The CDC offers specific recommendations for us to stay happy and healthy during the heat of the summer.
Long walks, playing at the park, sports, swimming, hiking, and so much more.
While all all of these activities are very healthy for you, the heat of the summer can actually be a danger to your health.
There are more heat related deaths than any other natural weather occurrence including tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods combined.
Each year thousands of Americans fall victims to heat related illness. Most often times it is the young and the elderly who are most at risk but heat can have an affect on all of us unless we use our common sense and take precautions.
The CDC offers specific recommendations for us to stay happy and healthy during the heat of the summer.
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The following tips are important:
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid caffeine and alcoholic beverages
Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen
Limit physical activity
Avoid heavy meals and hot foods
Stay inside during midday when heat and humidity are the highest
Do not leave pets or children in cars
Check on the elderly
If you do not have air-conditioning find a public place such as community center or even a store that does and spend some time there cooling down your body.
Pace yourself and be aware of changes in your body such as dizziness, faintness, and weakness which can be a sign of heat exhaustion.
Replace salt and minerals lost through sweat with non-alcoholic beverages such as sports drinks. One glass every hour during peak heat times.
Limit use of stove and oven to keep heat indoors to a minimum.
If you have a basement, it's probably pretty cool down there. Consider a basement camping trip until the heat wave has passed. It can even be a family adventure.
Don't forget to keep your pets hydrated and limit their time outdoors during peak heat times as well.
Summer is a great time of the year to stay Healthy and Happy...enjoy heat responsibly!
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