Nov 13, 09:51 PM
With hot, humid weather on the way, it never hurts to remind ourselves of some easy ways to help prevent heat-related issues. Here are some good tips to help keep summertime fun and safe:
Drink plenty of water and try not to wait until you are thirsty to stay hydrated. Remember, alcoholic drinks and sugary beverages actually dehydrate your body so it is best to avoid these drinks. Water has the added bonus that if you spill it, it's stain free! Great for spill-happy adults and kids.
Wear light, loose colored clothing such as cotton to help reflect some of that intense sunshine and wick away any moisture. The loose fitting clothes will also allow a little more to air to reach your skin to help your body stay cool by evaporation.
If possible, do outdoor activity during the morning or later in the evening to avoid the peak heat of the day.
Use sunscreen with a SPF 15 or higher and wear wide-brimmed hats to provide protection from the strong sun rays.
There's nothing wrong with saying "I've had enough"... listen to your body and take a break. Find a nice shady spot to relax or head inside to cool down with air conditioning. If your house doesn't have A/C, visit the local library, mall, or see a movie.
As we all know around here, the heat and humidity can be brutal. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be very dangerous but thankfully there are many ways to help with prevention. Remember, people over the age of 65 as well as young children are more susceptible to the effects of high heat. Be sure and check on them more frequently to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. Last and certainly not least, look after the family pets! Provide plenty of fresh, cool water and shade to help keep our four-legged friends healthy too.
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