Heat has been identified as the number one weather related killer in the United States. Your body normally cools itself by sweating. During hot weather, especially with high humidity, sweating just isn’t enough. Heat is not discriminating, it has the ability to kill anyone across the lifespan from infants to the elderly. Knowing a hot day is ahead is as simple as checking your smart phone, the internet or television for the weather report. Know your NO-NO List for Hot Days!

NO–NO’s for Children

Keep your kids safe and hydrated in hazardous heat conditions. Children are usually are busy playing and do not take the time to stay hydrated. They certainly do not usually sit down if not feeling well and will not adjust as quickly as adults to changes in environmental heat. Heat rules:

• Keep your kids safe and hydrated in hazardous heat conditions. Children are usually are busy playing and do not take the time to stay hydrated. They certainly do not usually sit down if not feeling well and will not adjust as quickly as adults to changes in environmental heat.
• Check before you buckle that your child's safety seat and safety belt buckles aren't too hot
• No one needs to be left sleeping in the car on a hot day, even with the windows down. When you reach your destination make certain you do not leave the vehicle until every child has disembarked
• Cars are not toys and children should not play in or around them

NO–NO’s for Adults

Even for healthy people, strenuous activities in the heat could be dangerous, especially early in the heat season. Heat illnesses include heat exhaustion, heat stroke, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat fainting, heat rash and heat cramps (muscle cramps). Here are a few things to consider:

• Drink even before you find you are thirsty, keep yourself hydrated
• Caffeinated beverages will not help, do not increase consumption of these as they will increase your trips to the BR
• Fashion does matter on a hot day, choose light colored, loose fitting clothing made of breathable fabric
• Take a break from the heat by spending time in a cool place, maybe a shopping mall, place of worship, grocery store or a public building
• Pay attention to your body and its reaction to the heat, watch for dizziness, nausea, muscle pains, confusion, heavy sweating, irritability, weakness to name a few symptoms

Do NOT underestimate the power of a hot day, respect it, plan for it and you will avoid heat related illnesses.