Red Lake Hospital: Tips for preventing Heat-Related Illness

The best defense is prevention: Here are some prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activities level.

• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amount of sugar-these actually cause you to lose more body fluids. Also avoid very cold drinks, causes stomach cramps

• Stay indoors and if possible, stay in air conditioned place

• Electric fans may provide comfort, if temp is in the high 90’s fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cold shower may help

• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle

• Please check on your infants, children, and elderly.

If you must be out in the heat:

• Limit your outdoors activity to morning and evening hours.

• Cut down on exercise. If you need to exercise drink plenty of water.

• Try to rest in shady areas

• Protect yourself with sun screens