Several big events are taking place all around the Ozarks this weekend, but unfortunately, hot 90-degree temperatures will also be making the rounds.
Heat-based illnesses impact the people who come and go to any and all events outside every year. There are some things you can do to help prevent these maladies from impacting you or the people around you.
Wear cool, season-appropriate clothing. A simple, obvious tip; but even small details such as fabric or color choice can impact the overall heat level of clothing. Pick appropriately.
Stay hydrated. One of the biggest steps of prevention one can do to help mitigate the chance of heat-related illness is to ensure they are drinking enough water. Avoid sugary of caffeinated drinks. In fact, studies state that up to 75% are chronically dehydrated, even outside of the summer season. Pack water.
Limit your exposure to the sun. This can include things like using sun screen, keeping an umbrella handy, or simply going into a cool structure to avoid direct sunlight.
Avoid heavy or hot meals. Hot meals are a clear no-no for summer time, but even heavy, oily foods can cause your temperature to rise as you metabolize them.
Most importantly, DO NOT leave children or pets inside cars during hot days. An outside temperature of even 80 degrees can be dangerous to humans and pets when inside a hot car, as it can easily increase to over 130 degrees as the vehicle becomes a hot box.
To read more tips on avoiding heat-borne illness, clink the link here.
