Tips To Beat The Heat In CNY

With the heat index dangerously rising in the Utica-Rome area, we need to remember to stay hydrated and avoid heat-related illness like heat stroke.

Believe it or not but your health is at risk when it's this hot and humid in CNY, especially children and the elderly. It's best to try to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, not soft drinks or alcohol because both will dehydrate you. You should also recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and sunstroke.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

• heavy sweating
• cool, moist flushed skin
• dizziness
• weakness
• headache
• nausea

If any of these symptoms occur, remove excess tight clothing, apply cool, wet cloths to the neck and chest and take small sips of cool water.

Signs of Heat or Sunstroke:

• flushed hot red skin
• elevation in body temp

if you see these, call 911 immediately to avoid serious illness.

Avoid working too hard outside during the mid-day hours when the heat is most extreme, and if you have to work outside, make sure to take frequent breaks and keep hydrated and cool off.

You can download the Red Cross First-Aid app for first-aid tips and warning signs of heat-related illness by texting 'Get First' to 90999.