June is here which means it’s time to get outside and enjoy all your favorite outdoor activities. The beach is a wonderful place to body surf, surf, swim and soak up the sun. Lakes are great for water skiing, wakeboarding and swimming. Parks are fun places to roller skate, bike ride and picnic. Running and brisk walking can be done anywhere and all you need is a pair of running shoes.
There are two things that you need to remember when you head outside which are sun screen and water. Sun screen protects you from sunburn and over exposure to the sun. Water keeps you from becoming dehydrated. When exercising in warm temperatures it is important to drink water often to stay hydrated.
Heat exhaustion is caused by overexposure to the sun and dehydration. The early signs of heat exhaustion are nausea, light-headedness, fatigue, muscle cramping and dizziness. If you are feeling any of these symptoms it is important to move out of the sun into air conditioned place, take a cold shower or use cold compress, drink plenty of fluids and remove tight clothing.
Heat stroke is another heat illness that is more serious than heat exhaustion with symptoms being headache, confusion, no sweating, rapid heart rate, nausea or vomiting and may lose consciousness. If you or anyone around you has these symptoms call 911 and move to a cooler place. Both types of heat illness can lead to death if not taken care of immediately.
Summer is a great time of year and knowing how to safely enjoy the warm days will make them more enjoyable.
Love and best wishes,
Tracy