Summer doesn’t officially start until June 20, but you’ve probably already been feeling the
heat (and hopefully not the burn). If you spend a lot of time outside, being prepared can make the difference between a great time, a good time and a trip to the emergency room.

Watch out – it’s getting hot!

Overexposure to heat is unsafe and can cause severe to fatal illness. Risk factors for heat illness include

• high temperature and humidity
• direct sun exposure and no breeze
• not drinking enough water and
• personal history of heat-related illnesses.

Everyone should take precaution!

Heat exhaustion happens when your body’s temperature control system overloads. Infants and children up to 4 years old are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses, but even healthy people can get sick from strenuous activity during hot weather.

Recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion or stroke can make the difference between life and death. If you have excessive thirst, weakness, headache or you’re feeling faint, you may be experiencing water depletion. Alternatively, signs of salt depletion include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness. Keep yourself and your family members safe by following these easy tips to stay cool — and feel better too!

• Rest frequently in shady or air-conditioned areas.
• Drink plenty of fluids — don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
• Avoid caffeine, as it can cause dehydration.
• Dress infants and children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Acclimate yourself to the heat by taking it easy until you get used to it.
• Seek medical help immediately if you or a family member shows symptoms of
  heat-related illness.

Did you know?

Your body needs at least a pint of water per hour when you’re in the sun.

Summer Safety Puzzle

We all know the rules for hot weather health — at least we think we do. Take our quiz to see if your instincts are summer safety sharp!

1. When should you apply sunscreen?
A. A few minutes before going outside
B. 30 minutes before going outside
C. After you’ve been outside for a few minutes

2. When do you need to reapply sunscreen?
A. Only after swimming
B. Every two hours and after coming out of the water
C. Every four hours

3. Toddlers are safe alone in the swimming pool when
A. they know how to swim and you are close enough to reach them.
B. you are in the pool and within arm‘s length.
C. they are wearing floaties or a swim vest.

4. The sun’s rays are the strongest
A. on sunny days.
B. between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
C. in July.

5. How can you prevent children from getting swimmer’s ear?
A. Don’t let them swim under water without a swim cap or ear plugs.
B. Dry the outside of their ears thoroughly right after swimming.
C. Tell them to put their finger in their ear to unplug it when getting out of the water.

6. It’s 95 F outside and you’re at a picnic. Perishable foods shouldn’t be left out
A. longer than two hours.
B. longer than an hour.
C. longer than four hours.

7. What is the recommendation for DEET insect repellent and kids?
A. Never use it. Use natural products instead.
B. Use liberally to keep bugs at bay.
C. Use sparingly and only on children older than two months.

8. If you find a tick on your child, you should
A. remove it with clean tweezers.
B. remove it with your fingers.
C. not remove it! Take your child to the doctor.

9. The fence around a swimming pool should be
A. at least four feet high with a self-latching gate.
B. at least five feet high with a self-latching gate.
C. installed only if you have young children.

10. Summertime is perfect for bike riding. Your child’s bike helmet should
A. have an “aero” shape.
B. be worn for only long rides.
C. have a safety seal.

11. How can you tell for sure burgers are done on the grill and safe to eat?
A. The meat thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 F or higher.
B. They are brown in the middle of the patty with no pink showing.
C. You’ve cooked them for five minutes on each side.

12. One of the best ways to prevent foodborne illness is by washing your hands before handling food. What is the recommended length of time for hand washing?
A. 15 seconds
B. At least 20 seconds
C. You don’t need to wash hands before handling food, just after.

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