Tips to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat

With summer weather in full swing, hot temperatures and high humidity can wreak havoc on your body.

When the temperature and/or humidity is high here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Wear light clothing.

• When you are outdoors, take shelter under a parasol or wear a wide-brimmed, well-ventilated hat.

• Apply sunscreen to limit your exposure to ultraviolet rays.

• Limit physical activity, especially in the middle of the day, when it is hottest.

• Drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses of water a day for an adult).

• Avoid alcoholic beverages.

• Spend at least 2 hours a day in a cool air-conditioned place.

• Take at least one cool shower or bath daily or refresh your skin with a wet towel several times a day.

• Close the curtains and blinds to keep your house cool.

• Open all windows in the evening, if it is cooler outside.

Seek medical attention of you experience any of the following:

• Headaches

• Muscular cramps

• Swollen hands, feet and ankles

• Apparition of small red pimples (heat rash) on your skin

• Unusual fatigue or exhaustion

• General discomfort

• Excessive thirst

• Less frequent need to urinate

• Dark urine

• Dry skin

• Rapid pulse and breathing