Summer is officially here! And boy is it hot out there. Here are tips to help you beat the heat this summer:
- Stay hydrated! Heath professionals recommend drinking at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. However, if you are going to be active outside, pre-hydrate with at least 16-20 ounces of fluid 1-2 hours before. While outside you should drink 6-12 ounces every 15 minutes while you are out in the heat.
- Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage and fight off the effects that may cause skin cancer.
- Cover up! Wear light colored, lightweight clothing and hats. Avoid black as it absorbs the heat. Yes, its hot out there, but you will stay cooler if you wear a lightweight cotton shirt with long sleeves. Oh and it will protect you from sunburn, too!
- Plan outdoor activities for the cooler part of the day. If you must be outside in the hot part of the day, take frequent breaks in a cool shaded spot. Consider adjusting your exercise rooutines.
- Air conditioning units work over time in the summer, so change your a/c filter monthly (every couple of weeks if you have pets with long hair). Professional also recommends an a/c tune-up and to keep outside units clean of debris and shaded.
- Don’t leave kids or pets in parked cars! Did you know your windshield helps the sun heat your car very quickly acting as a greenhouse rising temps as much as 40 degrees when outside temperature range from 72 to 96 degrees. Unfortunately, many children die each year left in parked vehicles.
- Help your home stay cool by keeping window shades closed during the hottest part of the day. Keep lights turned off and avoid using the oven if you can.
- If it’s hot for you, then it’s hot for your pets too! Don’t leave them outside in the heat of the day. Also make sure they have plenty of water too.
- Learn the Symptoms of heat illnesses such as Heat Stroke, a very serious illness that will require emergency treatment. Symptoms include headache, heavy sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, nausea and skin that feels cool and moist, vomiting and muscle cramps. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms. Call 9-1-1! Move to a cooler place immediately.
- Use a climate-controlled storage unit to store your belongings. A climate-controlled unit keeps the temperature constant and helps avoid heat related damage to your belongings.