How To Stay Cool During A Heat Wave

There are probably a lot of people from outside the Northland who don't understand just how hot it can get here in the summertime.  Granted, we don't have extremely long stretches of hot weather - but when we do get warmer temperatures it can easily approach 100 degrees or more.

Many people say that the problem with heat in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin is that it comes with humidity - making it feel even warmer than a similar temperature would in Arizona or Texas.  Nonetheless, we still need to battle the effects that hot temperatures have on our bodies.

So what can we do?

The following tips are sourced from the National Weather Service:

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for summer. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Put less fuel on your inner fires. Foods, like meat and other proteins that increase metabolic heat production also increase water loss.
• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don't feel thirsty. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease, are on fluid restrictive diets or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a physician before increasing their consumption of fluids. Do not drink alcoholic beverages and limit caffeinated beverages.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, go to a library, store or other location with air conditioning for part of the day.
• Don't get too much sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

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