## It’s Going to Get Hot: Are You Prepared? Summer is coming, and with it comes the heat. This can be hard on our bodies. In fact, extreme heat can be deadly. So it’s important to be prepared and take steps to stay cool. **How heat affects the body** Heat can cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. These conditions can be serious, so it’s important to know the signs and symptoms. * Dehydration occurs when you don’t drink enough fluids. Symptoms include thirst, fatigue, dizziness, and headache. * Heat cramps are muscle spasms that can occur in the legs, arms, or abdomen. They’re often caused by dehydration. * Heat exhaustion is a more serious condition that can occur when the body’s temperature rises too high. Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. * Heatstroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It can occur when the body’s temperature rises to 104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Symptoms include confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness. **How to stay cool** There are a number of things you can do to stay cool in hot weather, including: * Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty. * Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. * Take cool showers or baths. * Spend time in air-conditioned places. * Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. * Eat light, refreshing foods. **What to do if you get sick** If you think you’re experiencing a heat-related illness, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. In the meantime, you can try to cool down by: * Going to a cool place. * Drinking plenty of fluids. * Taking a cool shower or bath. * Applying cold compresses to your head, neck, and armpits. **Heat safety for vulnerable populations** Heat can be especially dangerous for vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and people with chronic health conditions. It’s important to take extra precautions to protect these people from the heat. * Make sure they drink plenty of fluids. * Help them stay cool by providing them with access to air conditioning or a cool place to go. * Check on them regularly to make sure they’re okay. **Taking care of pets** Pets can also be affected by the heat. It’s important to take steps to keep them cool and hydrated. * Provide them with plenty of fresh water. * Don’t leave them in a car, even for a short period of time. * Walk them during the coolest part of the day. * Provide them with a cool place to rest, such as a shady spot or a kiddie pool. **Heat safety for workers** If you work outdoors, it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself from the heat. * Drink plenty of fluids. * Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. * Take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas. * Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. **Heat safety for travelers** If you’re traveling to a hot climate, it’s important to take steps to stay cool. * Drink plenty of fluids. * Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. * Take breaks in the shade or in air-conditioned areas. * Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. **Heat safety for drivers** If you’re driving in hot weather, it’s important to take steps to stay cool. * Drink plenty of fluids. * Keep your car cool by using air conditioning or parking in the shade. * Take breaks to get out of the car and cool down. * Never leave a child or pet in a car, even for a short period of time. Remember, heat can be deadly. By taking steps to stay cool, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from heat-related illnesses.
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