We are reaching the peak of Summer and with this season comes all of the activities associated with it. Swimming, tanning, barbequing, and heat stroke are all of what can accompany this time of year. The last one, however, is what I want to focus on today. Often time’s people don’t want to stop and think about properly taking care of themselves, but what threats can this pose to their health and by proxy – your liability for caring for residents on your property?

Print these tips and leave them out for residents in popular areas around your property. You never know who it may make a difference to.

• DRINK: This is the most basic of things to remember. When it’s hot, you sweat; when you sweat you lose vital salt and minerals your body needs to function. Add water or other nutrient rich beverages to your body throughout the day because If you feel thirsty – you are already dehydrated.

• SPREAD IT ON THICK: It can take as few as 5 minutes for a sunburn to set in. Aside from the known pain and skin damage, a sunburn also causes the body to lose fluid and lower’s your ability to naturally cool down. Adding anything SPF 15 or higher to protect exposed areas of the body greatly adds to your protection.

• ENJOY WITH FRIENDS: Use the “buddy system” if you will be in the heat for prolonged periods of time. It’s safer and it’s more enjoyable anyways.

• WATCH FOR HIGH RISK SITUATIONS: Everyone is susceptible to negative effects from the heat, but some are at a greater risk. Pay special attention to:
  • Infants and young children
  • People over the age of 65
  • People who are overweight by a great degree
  • People who engage in a lot of activity, but not always in outside environments
  • Anyone with a condition of any sort

• ACCLIMATE: Although it feels nice to feel some air conditioning after being outside, changing from one extreme to another can wreak havoc on the body. Give some time between changing extreme temperate before you do anything strenuous.

• MODERATION: It’s no secret that some cold beers or mixed drinks on a hot summer day feel like a match made in heaven. While this can be fun, try to keep perspective on your alcohol to water ratio. Also try to avoid drinking heavily during peak temperature points during the afternoon.

• FUR ABSORBS HEAT: Don’t forget about your furry friends – make sure that your pets not only have water readily available, but make sure you notice them drinking from it every so often.

Hopefully no one will need to resort to identifying and treating heat stroke this summer, but should the situation arise they will be prepared with this guide available.

Information provided by the Center for Disease control: http://1.usa.gov/LXyeAK