Beat the Heat: Prepare for Sun and High Temperatures this Summer

After enduring a long, cold winter and tolerating the chilly spring months, many are looking forward to warmer weather as we enter the summer season. We want to soak up every second of the long summer days, creating lasting memories with our friends and families before the season slips away. To ensure that not a single moment of summer fun is missed, it’s important to be mindful of heat-related illnesses and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays.

Recognizing Symptoms of Heat-related Illness

While summer may provide a break from the cold and flu season and spring allergies, high temperatures can lead to various heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and even heat cramps.

Heat Stroke can occur when the body temperature reaches 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. A person may exhibit signs of hot, red, dry, or damp skin, accompanied by a rapid, strong pulse. A person may experience headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and loss of consciousness.  Heat stroke is a medical emergency and warrants a call to 911.  As you wait for medical assistance, be sure to move the individual to a cool place and use cooling cloths, towels, or a bath to help lower their body temperature. However, do not give the person anything to drink.

With Heat Exhaustion, a person may experience heavy sweating, feel cold, have pale or clammy skin, and have a fast, weak pulse. Like heat stroke, a person can experience nausea or vomiting, dizziness, headaches, and fainting or passing out. Additional symptoms include muscle cramps and tiredness or weakness. To assist with first aid, move the individual to a cool place, loosen their clothing, use cooling cloths or towels, and have them sip water. If the symptoms get worse, last longer than one hour, or if they experience constant vomiting, it is important to seek medical attention.

Heavy sweating during intense exercise, or muscle pain or spasms, could be an indication of Heat Cramps. If heat cramps occur, stop any physical activity and wait for the cramps to subside before resuming physical exercise. Move to a cool place and drink water or sports drinks to replenish electrolytes and fluids lost through excessive sweating.

Other heat- or sun-related illnesses to be mindful of include heat rash, sunburn, and foodborne illnesses from spoiled food that has been left out for too long. 

Remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide

While enjoying outdoor activities, always safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A great reminder is these 5 S’s, and remember to Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, and Slide:

1. Slip on a T-shirt: Wear clothing that protects your skin from harmful UV rays.

2. Slop on Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen generously with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and broad-spectrum protection over exposed skin. Daily use of SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when outside can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. 

3. Slap on a Hat: Choose a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face, ears, and neck.

4. Seek Shade: Limit your sun exposure and seek shade, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the UV rays are the strongest.

5. Slide-on Sunglasses: Protect your eyes by using a wrap-around style with a 99% or higher UV block. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common sun-related vision problems include cataracts, macular degeneration, and pterygium. 

If we could add a sixth “S,” it would be “Sip on Water” to stay hydrated while participating in outdoor activities.

Protecting our Future Generation  

Last year, more than 35,000 participants learned about sun safety at a 2024 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® (PAF Safety Day) program. PAF Safety Day programs offer age-appropriate, hands-on learning experiences to children and families throughout North America.

Now in its 30th year, PAF Safety Days continues to be recognized as the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. Since its inception in 1995, the program has reached millions of participants and volunteers.

You, too, can join the mission and provide education, training, and resources to make farm, ranch, and rural life safer and healthier for all children, their families, and their communities. Visit www.progressiveag.org for more information and click on Get Involved to learn about volunteer opportunities, donating to the cause, or how to bring a PAF Safety Day to your local community.