With the temperatures heating up, we all need ways to keep cool during the scorching hot months of July and August. Sitting home in the air conditioning is a nice thought, but few can enjoy that luxury seven days a week.
For starters, keep a close eye out for the following heat-related symptoms: headache, light-headedness, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, vomiting and low pulse rate. Elderly residents are more susceptible to heat stroke; check in on any senior citizen who live close by and lend them a hand or offer some advice on staying cool, especially during the hottest times of the day between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
If you have children attending an outdoor summer camp, remind them to drink lots of water and take frequent breaks in the shade or inside. Preparing light, nutritious lunches with hydrating fruits and vegetables is important as well.
When you’re out and about, consider stopping in at a local cooling center to beat the heat. The following locations provide the necessary resources to keep your body temperature where it should be: East Meadow Senior Center, 1485 Front Street, East Meadow, 794-2458, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.; William P. Bennett Hicksville Community Center, 28 Carl Street, Hicksville, 797-7900, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Salisbury Senior Center, 460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury, 333-5440, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Charles J. Fuschillo Park, Carle Road at Broadmoor Lane, Carle Place, 869-6311, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Remember, being sun-smart will not only help you now but also down the road – so be extra cautious at the beach or out on the water and enjoy all that our area has to offer without putting your health at risk.
–C.T.
