Staying Safe in the Heat of Summer

#Summerheat #stayhydrated#hintsandtips

In many parts of the United States, summer is extremely hot and dry this year. Some Southern States are without rain for more than a month. Texas, for example, was the hottest State in the country in July 2023, and the heat continues into August. In North Texas, the heat set a new record that rivalled the Summer of 1980. Even if you are not experiencing the blistering heat of Texas, it is important that you protect yourself, your loved ones and your pets from the harmful effects of too much exposure to the sun.

With the Earth's temperature on the rise, heat waves akin to the ones witnessed this year in some parts of the United States and Canada are regrettably becoming more frequent. This trend is catching climate scientists by surprise. In scientific circles, it is believed that many of our climate models, designed to anticipate the frequency of severe heat events in the future, may fall short of being able to predict such intense heatwaves for specific areas.

What I find disconcerting is that for many years interventions at the international, regional and local levels to slow down the inevitable effects of changing climate do not appear to have achieved much success. Now, these extreme heat events are occurring within my lifetime and I am experiencing them firsthand. Since they are here and we are powerless against the forces of nature, we must protect ourselves. Here are some simple actions that we can all can adopt.

(1) Stay indoors. If you live in parts of the country that are characterized by hot summers, some cities have introduced cooling centers. You would be wise to find one near you and use it when necessary. Opting to remain in well-cooled buildings equipped with air-conditioning proves highly advantageous for individuals fortunate enough to have access to this amenity. If you are elderly and and not have a temperature controlled environment where you live, due to financial constraints or lack of transportation, contact a social worker in your area as soon as possible to arrange transportation to a cooling center.

(2) Arrange transportation to a cooling center. It's crucial for individuals to have the means to reach these resources, which might be challenging considering the potential disruptions caused by heat-induced transit issues. Connect with friends, neighborhoods and leaders in your community.

(3) Seek out shaded areas. In instances where air conditioning or cooling centers are unavailable, or in situations where outdoor work is necessary, it is advisable to actively seek out shaded areas. Exposure to direct sunlight can elevate skin temperature and exacerbate heat.

(4) Wear appropriate clothing. Cotton shirts and blouses with long sleeves that are loose-fitting is recommended to provide coverage. And don't forget sunscreen, hats and sun-glasses.

(5) Take frequent breaks. During physical exertion, taking frequent breaks can help to prevent heat exhaustion.

(6) Stay hydrated. Last , but by no means least, drinking lots of water to ensure proper hydration is also an essential practice that everyone should embrace.

Best wishes for a safe and happy Summer!