The locals of Arizona know better than to stay under the sun for too long, especially during summertime. Let’s be honest, Arizona is a desert, so it’s not surprising that during the summer, the heat can rise to as much as 120 degrees in some parts of the state.

Heatstroke can quickly escalate from heat exhaustion and should not be taken lightly as it can cause complications in kids, adults, and even pets.

Here’s how to stay clear of it:

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1. Be familiar with the signs of heat exhaustion.

One thing you should always look out for during the hot season in AZ is the symptoms of heat exhaustion. Adults and kids manifest the same signs, but you have to be more observant with kids. During hot weather, your body cools itself by sweating. Sweat evaporates as you sweat, regulating your body temperature. When you exercise vigorously or overexert yourself in hot, humid weather, your body is less able to cool itself.

Thus, your body may develop heat cramps, the mildest form of heat-related illness. Heat cramps cause heavy sweating, fatigue, thirst, and muscle cramps. Heat cramps can progress to heat exhaustion if left untreated.

It is usually possible to treat heat cramps by drinking fluids or sports drinks with electrolytes (Gatorade, Powerade, etc), getting into a cooler place, such as an air-conditioned or shaded area, and resting. Look out for these warning signs:

• Flushed red skin
• Excessive sweating
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness

2. Hydrate more than usual.

The importance of hydrating cannot be overstated. To keep your body cool, it uses up the water inside your body much quicker to catch up with the hot weather. Even when you are not thirsty, drink water to replenish your fluids and ensure you don’t get dehydrated. You should drink water as soon as you wake up, even before you start working out. Consider freezing water bottles in advance if you’re going to be out all day (just keep in mind that water expands when it freezes, so leave some space in the container). Before you drink any juice, sports drink, or soda, drink a serving of water.

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3. Never abandon kids and pets inside a car.

One of the most life-threatening situations you can put a person or animal in is a closed car under the sun’s heat. Car interiors absorb heat quickly and can suffocate the people inside within minutes. Leaving your child in a car while you run into the store or park in the shade is a recipe for tragedy. Temperatures in the 80s can reach deadly levels of 130 degrees or more in 10 minutes. It takes just a few minutes in Arizona, where the outside temperature already exceeds 110 degrees in the summer.

4. Know when it becomes a medical emergency.

You should already be alarmed if someone is manifesting symptoms of heat exhaustion, but if his condition escalates to a heat stroke, call 911 and get him to the hospital immediately. Watch out for these signs:

• Hot, dry skin
• Changes in consciousness
• Weak pulse
• Rapid, shallow breathing

Of course, you can still have fun under the sun, but we recommend doing it in water parks, pools, and beaches to keep yourself cool. Just keep these tips in mind, and we guarantee your survival through the hot season of AZ.

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