Beat the Heat: Tips to Stay Cool this Summer

Welcome back! We hope you've had a great week and are staying cool in this suddenly HOT weather. Goodness gracious, it seems like our spring/summer transition in the Tri-State has happened too quickly, and it doesn't look like it will cool off much over the next week or so. Summer, slow down! We'd like to enjoy a bit of spring before we ring in summer this Memorial Day weekend.

We know it is difficult to get outdoor chores and projects done, and even more difficult to enjoy recreational activities like biking and jogging outside when it's hot. However, some people simply have to be outdoors for one reason or another -- especially those who work outside. On that note, we'd like to take the opportunity in this week's blog to share some heat safety advice. We want to be sure all of our clients, friends, & family are safe as we gear up for a fabulous summer filled with golf, walks, play time, pool days, and ball games.

When you're out and about this summer season, please keep the following information in mind:

 Be aware of the heat throughout the day. It is warming up early and staying hot later! Pay attention to how you feel while outdoors and modify your activities appropriately.

 Pay attention to your hydration status and be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Water and sports drinks are best for staying hydrated. Avoid sugary sodas, as they actually make your body more thirsty.

 Try to stay in relatively cool areas, even when outside. Find a shade tree or awning to sit under while outside. Cater your family activities to be indoors. Visit our local museums, Sky Zone, or take a painting class instead of planning outdoor adventures.

 Avoid hot, enclosed places, such as cars. Never leave children or pets unattended in a car parked in the sun. 

 Use a fan, if available. The fans with water misters are wonderful to stay cool! Anyone else use those constantly at the ball field? 

 Stay on the lowest floor of your home or building. Heat rises, so our upstairs rooms are often hotter this time of year.

 Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Fruit, vegetables and protein are great meal options. The heat is the perfect excuse to avoid using the stove and oven in favor of a cold meal.

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

 Cover windows that receive a significant amount of sun with curtains and close blinds to help keep your house cool. This really does make a difference! 

 Weather stripping and proper insulation will keep cool air inside your home, plus it will help keep your Vectren bill as low as possible.

 If you are outside WEAR SUNSCREEN and drink your water early and often. Take plenty of breaks during activities. Get into this habit now so you're accustomed to it on days when we're experiencing 90+ degree heat.

We also want to share a few signs of heat overexposure. If you see someone exhibiting any of these, get them out of the heat and to a doctor as quickly as possible:

 Heavy sweating. However, if heat stroke sets in, the body can no longer compensate and stops sweating.

 Pale skin.

 Muscle cramps.

 Feeling tired and weak.

 Confusion, disorientation, altered mental state of any kind.

 Headache.

 Passing out or seeming semi-conscious.

 Nausea or vomiting.

For some other general summer safety tips, please check out this page from the CDC website. Stay safe & as cool as possible! And of course, have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Special thanks and sincere gratitude to our brave men and women in uniform who protect and defend our freedoms. We thank you for your service today and every day.