As I’m sure you already know we have been having some very high temperatures here in the North Georgia mountains. When the temperatures rise you become at risk for heat exhaustion and other heat related illnesses.
When you are out in the heat there are several precautions you can take to help prevent this:
1) Wear loose fitting, lightweight, and light colored clothing.Dark, tight, or excess clothing holds in heat and doesn’t let your body cool down properly because it prevents sweat evaporation.
2) Avoid getting sunburned.

If you’re going to be outdoors make sure to apply sunscreen with at least a 45 SPF to all exposed skin. Having a sunburn reduces your body’s ability to rid itself of heat.
3) Look for a cool place.

Being in an air conditioned building even for just a few hours is one of the best ways to prevent heat exhaustion. If your home doesn’t have an air conditioner consider spending time at a library or mall during the afternoon when it’s the hottest. Fans alone aren’t adequate to counter high heat and humidity.
4) Drink plenty of fluids.

Staying hydrated will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature. If your doctor has told you to limit fluids because of a health condition be sure to check with him or her about how much extra you need to drink when the temperature rises. Remember to avoid alcoholic beverages as well, as this can cause dehydration.
5) Take extra precautions with certain medications.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether the medications you take make you more susceptible to heat exhaustion and if they do what you can do to keep your body from overheating.
6) Avoid hot spots.

On a hot day the temperature in your parked car can rise 20 F in just 10 minutes and reach above 100 F in just 30 minutes.

*Never leave children or pets in a parked car in hot weather for any period of time.
7) Keep exercising outside to a minimum.

It’s best not to exercise or do any strenuous activity in hot weather, but if you must, make sure you rest frequently in a cool spot. Taking breaks and replenishing your fluids during that time will help your body regulate it’s temperature.

VistaScapes is a Complete Home Services division providing Landscape Design, Installation, Maintenance, Fertilization, Sod Installation, Turf Seeding, Mulching, Lot Cleanup, Erosion Control and Retaining walls. Serving Union County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia and Towns County Georgia. For your Home Maintenance needs visit our Complete Home Services website at www.CompleteHomeServicesUSA.com