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Wow, Monday was hot! 98 degrees in certain areas. This was a surprise to me. Make you sure you are not caught by surprise and are prepared for this heat. Each day can be excruciating if you do not prepare yourself for it. Here are some quick tips to help you make it through this heat. Tips 1. Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles 2. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol 3. Eat small meals and eat more often 4. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays 5. Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day 6. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors 7. Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat 8. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat Heat related illness Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen caused by exposure to high heat, humidity, loss of fluids, and electrolytes Heat cramps are often an early sign that the body is having trouble with the heat Heat exhaustion typically involves the loss of body fluids through heavy sweating during strenuous exercise or physical labor in high heat and humidity. Signs of heat exhaustion 1. Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea; dizziness; weakness; and exhaustion Help them 1. Move the person to a cooler place 2. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin 3. Fan the person 4. If the person is conscious, give small amounts of cool water to drink 5. Make sure the person drinks slowly 6. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition in which a person’s temperature control system stops working and the body is unable to cool itself Signs of heat stroke 1. Hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting; and high body temperature Help them 1. Call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number immediately 2. Move the person to a cooler place 3. Quickly cool the person’s body by giving care as you would for heat exhaustion 4. Continue rapid cooling by applying ice or cold packs wrapped in a cloth to the wrists, ankles, groin, neck and armpits Source: American Redcross