Beat The Summer Heat!

The arrival of summer signals it's time to hit the beach, pool, jumpin the boat or just relaxing on the patio in the summer sun.  But it's also time to remember the basics of summer safety and protect yourself and your family from sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke.


Heat Safety Tips:
     -Stay indoors as much as possible
     -Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
     -Drink plenty of water
     -Eat small meals, more often
     -Avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks/alcohol

The heat is not just uncomfortable, it can be deadly. Each year, hundreds of people die from heat illness. And all the protection most folks need is a bottle of water or sports drink.

Sweating is your body's air conditioner, but you have to replace the fluid you lose or you will overheat. So how much do you need to drink? It depends on your age and level of activity.

Fluid Facts (source: American Medical Athletic Association)
When To Consume	Adults	Children
Before Activity:	17-20 oz.	4-8 oz.
During Activity:	7-10 oz every 10 min.	5-9 oz. every 20 min.
After Activity:	24 oz. within 2 hrs.	24 oz. within 2 hrs.
Sodas and alcohol do not count in these fluid calculations as those drinks do more harm than good.

To keep track of how many ounces you are drinking try this trick: One adult-size gulp equals one ounce of fluid. For kids, one gulp equals one half-ounce of fluid.

Heat emergencies are of three types: 
     -heat cramps (caused by loss of salt)
     -heat exhaustion (caused by dehydration)
     -heat stroke (shock).

Remove the victim from the heat and have him/her lie down. Apply cool compresses, elevate the feet, drink fluids and use a fan to blow cool air. Get medical help if needed.