How Cool Are You?

When the temperature rises, seek ways to beat high heat:

• Stay protected with sunscreen, a must all year, especially during extended sun exposure at play or work.
• Avoid direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when rays are strongest.
• Keep babies out of direct sun.
• Fill a spray bottle with cool water and spritz yourself when you feel hot.
• Drink water or chilled herb teas to avoid dehydration during active periods in the heat. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
• Never leave pets or people parked in a closed vehicle when it’s hot.
• Watch for signs of heat illness: nausea, dizziness, weakness, extreme sweating, headache or rapid pulse. Move out of the sun and heat; rest.

When fireworks are on the agenda:

• Follow fireworks instructions carefully.
• Don’t allow children to use them.
• Never aim them at a person, animal or building.
• Don’t use them in drought regions. Better yet, leave the fireworks display to the professionals.

When water is your playground:

• Don't drink alcohol while swimming, in a hot tub, or operating a boat.
• Know the weather forecast before you head out in a boat.
• Onboard a boat, make sure everyone wears a floatation device.
• Don't swim alone or when tired.
• Don't dive headfirst into a pool or any body of water.
• Never leave children unattended around water, including kiddy pools.

When grilling, keep charred foods off your menu:

Charring produces heterocyclic amines (HCAs), a chemical menace linked to cancer. The highest levels of HCAs are found in muscle foods (meats, fowl and fish) that have been cooked (grilled, broiled or fried) at very hot temperatures.

• Use a drip pan during grilling so food drippings don’t reach the heat source where they can burn and produce HCAs.
• Scrape away the charred parts of your food; don’t eat them.
• Bake or roast your food most of the time. These methods produce lower levels of HCAs than grilling.