Summer has long been considered the time for barbecuing, pool-going and sunglass-wearing.
Along with those activities comes the heat of Las Vegas summers. The American Red Cross cautions against heat-related illness on its Web site, www.redcross.org, with several tips to keep cool.
PREVENTING HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
* Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing. Lighter colors reflect away some of the sun's energy. Also, wear a hat or stand under an umbrella.
* Drink water. Hydrate continuously, even if you don't feel thirsty. Alcohol or caffeine can cause dehydration.
* Eat small, more frequent meals, and avoid foods that are high in protein, as they increase metabolic heat.
* Avoid strenuous activity, except during cooler parts of the day, which are usually between 4 and 7 a.m.
* Stay indoors when possible.
* Take regular breaks when working outside.
SIGNS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS
The American Red Cross also offers tips for care and symptoms of heat-related illness.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
* Cool, moist, pale or red skin.
* Headache.
* Dizziness or exhaustion.
* Nausea.
* Skin that is hot to the touch.
HEAT STROKE
* Vomiting.
* Decreased alertness or loss of consciousness.
* High body temperature.
* Skin may be moist, or the victim may stop sweating and the skin may be red, hot and dry.
* Rapid, weak pulse.
* Rapid, shallow breathing.
TREATMENT
The American Red Cross suggests moving someone who is suffering from heat cramps or exhaustion to a cooler place to rest. The person should drink half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, but not too quickly. Remove or loosen the person's clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels. Call 911 if the person refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness.
Heat stroke is life threatening, and the American Red Cross urges a victim or someone helping the victim to call 911 and cool the body with cloth-wrapped ice packs, wet sheets and fans. Heat stroke victims should stay lying down.
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