Summer is upon us and we want to wish all of our friends a safe and fun summer.

The summer is the most popular time for vacations, celebrations, and outdoor recreation. The sun is out and people are outside having a good time. 

With all the fun summer activities there are, we have put together the following safety tips to help you avoid heat-related illnesses during the hot summer months.

Heat Injuries

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HEAT CRAMPS:

Can occur after several hours of physical exertion in the heat. 

Symptoms:
Painful muscle spasms usually located in the legs or abdomen. 

Treatment:

• Get out of the heat and into the shade
• Hydrate with water or a sports drink
• Stretch & massage the cramped muscle 

Prevention:

• Acclimatize to the environment so your body adapts to the heat
• Hydrate with water or a sports drink before & during exercise
• Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing & use sunscreen 

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HEAT EXHAUSTION:

Due to loss of water & salt through sweat 

Symptoms:
Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and cool, clammy skin. 

Treatment:

• Stop and rest
• Hydrate and get into a cool room or shade
• Loosen clothing and apply cool wet towels or pour cool water over the head 

Prevention:

• Acclimatize to the environment so your body adapts to the heat
• Hydrate with water or a sports drink before & during exercise
• Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing & use sunscreen

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HEATSTROKE:

A serious condition when the body’s cooling system stops working and core temperature rises to dangerous levels. If ignored, heatstroke can lead to death. 

Symptoms:

• Red, hot and dry skin
• Rapid but weak pulse
• Rapid but shallow breathing
• Confusion, faintness, staggering, hallucinations
• Unusual agitation or coma 

Treatment:

• Reduce body temperature by cooling the body
• Remove unnecessary clothing
• Apply water, cool air, wet sheets or ice on the neck, groin & armpits to accelerate cooling
• Seek medical attention immediately 

Prevention:

• Acclimatize to the environment so your body adapts to the heat
• Hydrate with water or a sports drink before & during exercise
• Avoid exercising during the hottest part of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting clothing & use sunscreen

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Do you have any good advice for keeping safe during the hot summer months that we should add? Let us know in the comments! 

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