Summer Safety

The best way to avoid a heat-related illness is to limit exposure during hot days. Keep in mind the following:

• Air conditioning is a good way to cool off
• Drink more liquid than you think you need
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing, and a hat
• Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
• Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest part of the day
• Wear sunscreen; sunburn affects the body's ability to cool itself
• Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
• Acclimatize to the heat by gradual exposure

Sunburn - a form of radiation burn that affects living tissue such as skin that results from an overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, commonly from the sun.

Heat Rash - a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather when sweat ducts become blocked and swell; often leading to discomfort and itching. It is mostly common in children and infants.

Heat Cramps - muscle spasms that result from loss of large amount of salt and water through exercise or other physical activity.

Heat Exhaustion - a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of the body overheating.

Heat Stroke - a condition caused by the body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures.