Summer months can be very hot here in North Central Texas.  Many of us choose to live here because of the warm climate.  However, we must be very careful on those particularly hot, humid days.  The medical emergencies caused by excessive heat can be deadly, especially to our senior citizens and our very young.

The amount of heat-stress that you face is dependant on more than just the temperature.  Humidity, radiant heat, and air velocity also affect the amount heat-stress that your body can manage.  Your ability to manage heat-stress is also determined by some personal factors such as your age, weight, level of fitness, medical condition, and acclimatization to the heat.

Your body's natural cooling system is to sweat but if the humidity level is too high for your sweat to evaporate, then your body will store the heat.  This can raise your body's core temperature and heart rate, putting you at risk for heat related ailments.  These ailments include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.  The purpose of this web site is not to give medical advice but in our sidebar you will find some general information regarding these heat related ailments.  Speak with your doctor or other qualified medical professional for specific recommendations and precautions that you should follow to meet your unique situation. 

Protecting Yourself From the Stresses of Heat

Here are some practical things that you can do to protect yourself from heat stress: Spend as much time as you can in cool surroundings.  Use fans or air conditioners to cool your home.
 
 Drink plenty of water.  Pre-hydrate by drinking water if you know you will be exerting yourself.  If you wait until you are thirsty to drink, you are already dehydrating.
 
 Take it easy and slow down on those hot days.  Your physical activity will produce extra body heat.  Rearrange your outdoor schedule to be physically active either early in the morning or in the evening when it is coolest outside.
 
 Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.  Dark clothing absorbs heat.
 
 Wear a hat.
 
 Wear sunscreen.
 
 Take cool baths or showers.
 
 Avoid drinking alcohol. 
 
 Keep extra drinking water in your home disaster kit during the hot months of the year.

For more information on Summer Safety go to http://www.srh.noaa.gov/fwd/heatindex/heat3.html .