With daily high temperatures reaching the upper 80s and lower 90s, Sanborn Aquatic Center has been a popular place to beat the heat. This week has provided little relief but Monday’s predicted high is expected to dip into the 70s.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer these Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness.
Stay Cool
Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible. Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover. Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated. If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the package directions. Look for sunscreens that say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels- these products work best. Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
Stay Hydrated
Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body that need to be replaced. A sports drink can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. If you are on a low-salt diet, have diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic conditions, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets. Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave the water in a shady area.
Stay Informed
Check your local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips. Learn the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to treat them. Monitor those at high risk: Infants and young children, People 65 years of age or older, People who are overweight, People who overexert during work or exercise, People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation.