As we get closer to the dog days of summer it is very important to take measures to stay cool, remain hydrated and keep informed of daily temperatures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related deaths and illness are preventable, yet more than 700 people die from extreme heat every year in the United States. Becoming over-heated can make you sick and have lasting effects on your health. You can become ill from the heat if your body can’t compensate for it and properly cool you off. The main things affecting your body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather are:
- High humidity. When the humidity is high, sweat won’t evaporate as quickly. This keeps your body from releasing heat as fast as it may need to.
- Personal factors. Age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol use all can play a role in whether a person can cool off enough in very hot weather.
Those who are at highest risk include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness. Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
Everyone should take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses, injuries, and death during hot weather. Below are a few preventive measures to help stay cool and play it save in hot weather:
- Stay in an air-conditioned indoor location as much as you can
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen
- Pace yourself
- Wear and reapply sunscreen as indicated on the package
- Take cool (not cold) showers or baths to cool down
- Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you
- Never leave children or pets in cars
- Check the local news for health and safety updates
- Always seek medical care right away if you have symptoms of heat-related illness
CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health provides many resources to help with understanding heat-related illnesses and how to stay cool and safe during hot weather.