Everything You Need To Know
As we prepare for summer, nothing is more important than going into the warmer months of the year with the insight you need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. Did you know that between 2004 and 2018, roughly 700 heat-related deaths occurred in the United States each year? The fact of the matter is that natural heat exposure can be quite dangerous, especially when you aren’t taking the right precautions to stay safe.
Sure, we all love the warm feel of the hot summer air on our skin. We all love going to the beach, laying out in the sand, and soaking up the sun’s rays – but we like to be safe, too! With that in mind, here are 5 tips to help you stay safe in the summer heat this year.
Hydrate With Water!
One of the most important things to do is to monitor your hydration levels – and this means drinking more water than you would normally if you plan on being out in the sun for an extended period of time. Avoid sugary soft drinks, and stay away from alcohol when in the sun. Water is going to be your best friend, and it’ll certainly help to prevent the damaging and dangerous health effects commonly associated with heat exposure.
Sun Screen!
Sun screen is absolutely critical. Remember, your skin is an organ, just like your heart and your lungs. And because it’s on the outside of your body, it is extremely susceptible to sun damage. When you plan on being outside for more than 30 minutes on a hot summer day, be sure to apply enough sun screen to stay protected. As the sun beats down on unprotected skin, your body will become dehydrated quite quickly – so a combination of sunscreen and hydration is always recommended.
Wear Airy Clothing
This one might not be something that you’d think of right away, but it’s a great tip to live by. Heat stroke is a scary thing, and you’ll want to take every possible measure to prevent it from happening to you. By wearing loose-fitting, airy clothing, you can ensure fresh and clean airflow while out in the sun. This can help to prevent dehydration and to ensure that your body is receiving a bit of a cool off throughout the day.
Keep Pets & Children Indoors When Possible
Sure, the summer time brings fun for the whole family – including your furry friends! However, it’s important to remember that extreme heat can be especially dangerous to pets and young children. Always be sure to keep them indoors when possible, but don’t be afraid to let them enjoy the warm summer air periodically throughout the day.
Always Check on Family & Friends Who Might Be High Risk For Heat Stroke
Lastly, always be sure to check on your family members or friends who might be more susceptible to heat stroke. If you have an elderly relative or neighbor, check in on them during those hot days and make sure they’re doing everything they can to stay safe, cool, and comfortable too!
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