Taking care in the summer heat

With the record high temperatures we’ve seen here in Iowa this year, the Iowa Department of Public Health is reminding us all to take precautions in extreme heat and humidity.

Anyone can suffer from heat-related illness, but those at greatest risk include seniors, babies and small kids, and people who are overweight, work outdoors or have chronic health problems.

To protect yourself:

• Drink lots of water.

• If you sweat, add salt and minerals to you diet with bananas, salty crackers or sports drinks.

• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.

• Wear sunscreen and hats that shade your face.

• Stay in the shade or air conditioned areas.

• Work slowly and stop immediately if you feel weak or dizzy.

For more information on how to best handle the summer heat, go to www.cdc.gov/Features/ExtremeHeat.