Beat the Heat!

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As the mercury continues to rise and the hazy, hot, and humid summer months rapidly approach, the time is right to protect yourself from heat-related illness.

Though everyone is affected by the sometimes brutal summer temperatures, children and the elderly can be especially vulnerable.

Heat-related illnesses include sunburn, heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Of these illnesses, the most severe is heatstroke, which in some cases can be fatal. It is important to protect yourself from the blazing summer sun and avoid heat related illness altogether.

AARP has ten tips to keep you safe and cool, even as the temperature continues to rise:
1. Relax and put off chores and any strenuous activity for a cooler day. If you are outside and feel yourself getting hot or lightheaded, stop your activity and rest in a cool place out of the sun.
2. Stay indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
3. Close your shades to stay out of the sunshine.
4. If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lower level of your home. Heat rises, making the higher levels of your home considerably warmer than lower ones.
5. Check with your local government to find places you can go and cool off such as at libraries and public buildings, or a mall with air conditioning.
6. Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses or using an umbrella.
7. Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages. These beverages will quickly dehydrate you in the summer heat.
8. If you have a chronic medical condition, talk with your doctor about additional precautions you should take to prevent heat-related illness. Some conditions and medications may place you at higher risk.
9. Call neighbors or family members, and make sure they check up on you throughout the day to make sure you are not suffering from the heat.
Finally, and most importantly:
10. Drink plenty of water. Even if you are not thirsty, drink water to keep yourself hydrated. This will help to keep your body cool. Be sure to drink water before, during, and after any strenuous outdoor activity.

Suddenly, it’s Summer
http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/nc/articles/suddenly_its_summer.html