With record breaking temperatures the past 12 days, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to stay cool.

Any time we experience hot or humid weather, our bodies are in danger of becoming overheated and problems such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke may occur. However, taking simple precautions and knowing how to respond can protect you in the coming heat.

Overdressing, overeating, becoming dehydrated, or drinking too much alcohol can cause your body to overheat. Ignoring early signs of your body overheating can lead to more serious conditions. The early stages are heat cramps, which include muscle pains or spasms (most commonly in the abdominal, are or leg muscles). Next is heat exhaustion and symptoms include: dizziness, weakness, nausea or vomiting, muscles aches, headaches, or increased sweating. The last stage is heatstroke, which is a life-threatening condition. Symptoms of heatstroke include: no sweating, confusion and disorientation, erratic behavior, agitation, seizures, coma, or injury to body organs. Treating heat cramps includes drinking a lot of fluids, massaging the cramped area, and stretching the cramping muscles. Heat cramps may improve more rapidly if you drink a sports drink that contains salt and other electrolytes, rather than water. The first aid procedures for heat exhaustion are: stop any activity, lie down and rest in a shady or cool place, loosen your clothing, drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic fluids, such as water, clear juice or a sports drink (do not give iced drinks), cool your body with a fan, spray, or washcloth, or sit in a cool bath, seek medical attention if the symptoms get worse or last longer.

Emergency medical treatment is necessary for heatstroke. If you thing someone has heatstroke, call 911 or a doctor immediately. Follow the treatment for heat exhaustion until medical help arrives. A person with heatstroke needs to be brought to a hospital for further treatment and checked for organ damage.

Hopefully it will cool off soon!