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Beat the summer heat with these 7 Tips

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Summer means long, sunny days which also means heat. As temperatures continue to rise, it is important to keep cool to avoid heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to high temperatures. Keep yourself and the whole family healthy by following these 7 simple tips that will help you beat the heat:

  1. Stay hydrated and drink lots of water throughout the day
  2. Limit the use of heat generating kitchen equipment in the household
    • Avoid using the stove or oven
    • Prepare no-cook meals instead. The New York Times has you covered with a list of no-cook recipes to get you started
  3. Wear loose fitting clothing with lighter fabrics and colors
  4. Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat hours like late afternoon
    • If you must go outside, space out your activities so you are not in the sun for a long stretch of time
    • Wear sunscreen and remember to stay in the shade whenever possible
  5. Stay in air-conditioned rooms, cars and buildings as much as possible
  6. Do not leave children or pets in the car ever
  7. Keep up to date with the latest health news and county updates

For more tips and information regarding this topic please visit the CDC website.

Now that you know how you can prevent a heat related illness, how do you know if you or someone you know is suffering from heat stroke or heat exhaustion?

Signs of heat stroke:

  • High body temp
  • Confusion, unable to think clearly
  • Excess sweating, dry skin
  • Find a complete list here

Signs of heat exhaustion:

  • Headache
  • Feeling dizzy or weak
  • Being easily annoyed or moody
  • Find a complete list here

How can you help if you see someone experiencing the symptoms above?

  • In the case of heat stroke, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. In the case of heat exhaustion, take them to the nearest clinic/medical center or call 911 if access to care is unavailable nearby.
  • Stay with the person until help arrives
  • Try to cool them down
    • Move them into the shade or a cooler area
    • Have them take sips of cold water
    • Place cold, wet cloths onto their skin

You can learn more about symptoms and how you can help aid a person experiencing a heat related illness on the CDC website.