Get ready for the desert heat
Most people spend our sweltering hot summers lounging by pools, dancing late into the night, or snapping selfies at music festivals with friends. While Las Vegas is the destination for summer excitement, the heat can tip well over 100 degrees and bring danger that can dampen
How much water should you consume?
You cannot condition the body to go without water. Take your body weight, divide it by two, and that is the bare-minimum ounces of water you should drink every day. If you are a regular coffee or wine drinker, even more water is necessary.
Hikers should carry two to six quarts of water in their packs, depending on time of year, and have as many as 30 gallons in their vehicle depending on where they are going and the duration of the trip. Consider carrying iodine tablets to purify water on the fly.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
The precursor to heat stroke is characterized by cool, clammy skin and the “umbles,” or stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and so on. If you feel like you might be experiencing heat exhaustion, rest in the shade and drink water.
Far more dangerous than heat exhaustion, it involves the opposite symptoms. The body is in panic mode and wants to flush heat. Symptoms include red, hot and dry skin and loss of consciousness. The person will need emergency medical care to lower his or her core temperature quickly. Heat stroke can result in permanent organ and brain damage. It also can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature in the future. It’s very important to take regular breaks in a cool, shaded space when outside. Light clothing can help keep the body cooler.
Skin safety
Always wear sunscreen: Seems obvious, but most people don’t put sunscreen on every morning or when it’s cloudy, even though skin is still exposed to UV rays.
Don’t forget your lips and ears: Many people bypass the lips and ears when applying sunscreen. Buy lip balm with SPF, so even when you don’t remember the sunscreen, you can apply the balm to your ears.
How much SPF do you really need? You don’t always need SPF 100 to protect your skin. Opting for SPF 30 or 50 will provide adequate protection with fewer chemicals than its higher SPF counterpart. Just remember to apply every 90 minutes if you plan on being outside for a long time.
Avoid being outside when the sun is most intense, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, cover up. Wear a hat, sunglasses and clothing that provides protection.
Do not leave children or pets in the car
On an 80-degree day, a car’s interior can heat up to 94 degrees in two minutes. After an hour, the inside temperature can reach 123 degrees. That’s deadly —essentially an oven—and can kill babies, young children and pets in minutes. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car, even if the windows are cracked. Drivers should make it a habit to check back seats for passengers every time they leave a car. Many drivers have unintentionally left children in vehicles. the fun.
So here’s a guide to protecting yourself, your children and your pets from heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sunburns.
A little preventive care can ensure that the only problem you face this summer is deciding what adventure you should go on next.