Tips for Staying Cool This Summer

• Be aware of the heat. Pay attention to it and modify your activities appropriately.
• Pay attention to your hydration status and be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
• Try to stay in relatively cool areas, even when outside. Many public places, such as libraries, shopping malls and movie theatres, are air conditioned.
• Avoid hot, enclosed places, such as cars. Never leave children unattended in a car!
• Use a fan, if available.
• Stay on the lowest floor of your building.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
• Cover windows that receive a significant amount of sun with drapes or shades to help keep your house cool.
• Cool beverages are good for cooling down the body, while alcoholic drinks can impair the body’s ability to regulate its temperature.

Signs of Heat Overexposure

• Heavy sweating — though if heat stroke sets in, the body can no longer compensate and stops sweating.
• Pale skin.
• Muscle cramps.
• Feeling tired and weak.
• Altered mental status (confusion or disorientation).
• Headache.
• Becoming semi-conscious or passing out.
• Nausea or vomiting.

Steps to Take After Recognizing Heat-Induced Illness

• Call 911.
• Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into the shade will also help.
• Apply water to help the person cool off.
• Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood vessels are close to the surface.
• Remove any heavy clothing.
• Immerse the body in cool water, either at a swimming pool or in a bathtub.

Don’t forget the pets, keep them cool and hydrated too!