Obviously important for human, pet and crop hydration, drinkable water is as scarce a resource as any, and as such, should be a concern for us all, not just in particular regions of the country or certain times of the year.

Northern India’s Groundwater isn’t the only water supply “going, going, going…”

Don’t wait for a drought, a boil order or another natural disaster to finally realize just how much we take water for granted.

Summer Survival. Fahrenheit 911

Life is built with wiggle room, a certain flexibility that allows us to adjust to our surrounding situations. Our flexibility not only makes us who we are, it brought us to where we are. Human Evolution is a story of adaptability and compromise emotionally, physically, societally. Our planet, as well as our physical bodies, is in a constant state of natural flux as well.

There is one exception to all this Human fluidity; our internal body temperature.

The Human body digs 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. No wiggle room here. Just a degree or two either side of this set point, and trouble begins. During the hot and humid summer months, when outside heat can be extreme, that heat only exacerbates the problem. Today, we are going to focus on Hyperthermia, the evil twin to its cold-weather cousin, Hypothermia, or too little heat.

Now according to the experts at 72HourPlan, “Hyperthermia is indeed a deadly foe in the summer months. Most folks do not drink enough water in their normal routine and when they add yard work, or outdoor activities during warm and hot days along with their lack of proper hydration, they create a recipe for disaster! Should they neglect #3 on your list and leave themselves open to sunburn and additional water loss, an unpleasant heat exhaustion can rapidly become life threatening heat stroke. Parents must be sure to hydrate their children (and pets) as well and limit exposure to the sun and heat.”

Before we jump into the tips, a quick video on how we can help regulate our internal temperature.

Now to the tips.

1. When it comes to heat hazards, hydration is the key. Your body uses water not unlike the way your vehicle radiator uses coolant. I use Katadyn products to guarantee I always have drinkable water (fresh and salt) to help regulate my body thermostat. Remember also that air conditioned air is air with the moisture stripped out. The more you live in AC, the more you need to pay attention to staying hydrated. When we perspire, drink or eat diuretics like caffeine, or urinate, we surrender our internal water supplies. Rule: Drink more water than you discard.

2. Good for both blocking the sun as well, a light-colored, light-weight, wide-brimmed hat is portable shade. It can reduce the temperature registering on your face substantially. Same applies for your clothing; loose fitting, light-weight, light-colored clothing. Dark colors actually attract sun-rays and absorb sunlight, only adding to the heat. See 5 Tips for Sidestepping Sun’s Harmful UVRays. You can beat the heat by staying hydrated and shaded.

3. Discuss all medications with your M.D. before you venture out. Some prescriptions, in addition to adding to dehydration, can actually heighten and amplify the effects of external heat and humidity. Also discuss with your doctor a sensible electrolyte replacement strategy for when heat and inadequate hydration are of concern.

4. Obviously, avoiding the hottest times and temperatures of the day is a great way to combat heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Remember to focus on children, the elderly and your furry pets as well. If  you have access to air conditioning or a cooling fan, take full advantage of it.

5. Don’t rush outdoors from the AC, take time to acclimatize. Remember that shock to the body is always dangerous. Let your body adjust gradually to extremes of temperature and humidity.

Thank you for joining me this week for The 7 Sins of Summer Safety. Before you go, remember that fear and inactivity (and the diseases they contribute to) cause more human deaths each year than all the Sins of Summer Safety combined.

MORE 2 EXPLORE

FEMA Tips

OSHA QUICK CARD on Heat Illness

Beating the Heat