Hey friends, summer is here and so is the heat! ☀️

While we all enjoy some fun in the sun, we also need to be careful not to overheat and get sick. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are serious conditions that can happen when your body gets too hot and dehydrated. They can cause organ damage and even death if not treated right away. 😱

So how can we prevent heat illness and stay cool? Here are some tips:

• Drink lots of water and avoid drinks that make you lose fluids, like alcohol and caffeine. 💧

• Wear light and loose clothing that lets your skin breathe and reflects heat. 👕

• Protect yourself from sunburn by using sunscreen, wearing a hat and sunglasses, and covering up. 🧴

• Stay in the shade or indoors as much as you can, especially during the hottest hours of the day. (11 am to 3 pm) If you must go outside, limit your activity and take breaks in cool places. Use a fan, air conditioning, or ice towels to lower your body temperature. ❄️

• Never leave kids or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked open. The temperature inside a car can rise quickly and become deadly. 🚗

• Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and get medical help right away if you or someone else has them. 🚑

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Heavy sweating

• Clammy skin

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Muscle cramps

• Extreme thirst

• Nausea or vomiting

• Weakness

• Fainting

Heat stroke symptoms include:

• Very high body temperature (above 103°F)

• Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

• Rapid, strong pulse

• Throbbing headache

• Confusion

• Upset stomach

• Passing out

To treat heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler place, loosen their clothing, and give them water or sports drinks. You can also cool their body by spraying them with water, applying ice packs, or fanning them. If their symptoms do not improve within an hour or they have a fever above 104°F, go to your nearest emergency medical center

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To treat heat stroke, call an ambulance or go to your nearest emergency medical center immediately. Immediately move the person to a shady area or indoors. Do not give them fluids. Cool their body by placing them in a cool bath or shower, spraying them with water, or covering them with ice packs or wet towels. Continue cooling them until their body temperature drops below 102°F or until help arrives.

Stay safe and cool this summer! 😎