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With all the hot weather we are getting, people tend to forget basic things to keep cool. Here are a few tips

* Avoid strenuous activity between noon and 3 p.m. (the hottest time of the day). This is especially true for the elderly and people who are ill. Children should have quiet periods, too. Even your car will perform better if you avoid driving in the heat of the day.

* Drink plenty of fluids, mainly water. Fill a pitcher with water and keep it in the refrigerator, or get a two gallon thermal cooler with a dispenser spout. Fill it with ice daily. Make sure everyone in the family has a water bottle and takes it with them everywhere. Store several gallons of water in case of a power outage.

* Drink extra water. It is recommended that a person drink half their body weight in ounces of water daily. Water intake should be increased in hot weather. If you have a cold or sinus drainage, increase your fluid intake. Don't wait until you are thirsty to get a drink. Extreme thirst is and indication of dehydration.

* Avoid sugary beverages, fruit juice, soda, diet soda, caffeinated beverages, energy drinks and alcohol when it is hot. These inhibit perspiration and circulation, and make you feel the heat more intensely.

* Wear loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothing. These fabrics breathe better and help keep you cool. Tight clothing can cause circulation problems and increase your risk of heat exhaustion.

* If you begin to feel nauseous, light-headed, tired, dizzy or confused, these can be signs of heat exhaustion. Sit down and put your head between your knees to get the blood flowing to your brain. Get into tub of tepid (not cold) water or sit in the tub with the shower on cool. Apply cool compresses to the neck and face. Drink cool (not cold) liquids.

* Keep an eye on children in the heat. Heat exhaustion can set in quickly. If your child acts oddly sleepy or lethargic, follow this procedure.

* Keep your home air conditioned now lower than 70 to 75 degrees. This will help prevent health problems from extreme changes in body temperature, going from cold indoor air to hot outdoor air. Run a fan to circulate the cooled air.

See more tips here

See Ken Hayes Take on the heat

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