Heat is the #1 cause of weather-related death in the U.S. Protect your health during high heat and humidity.

Here’s good advice from Rice County Public Health to stay cool and hydrated during a heat wave:

-  Drink plenty of fluids.

-  Slow down, stay indoors, and avoid strenuous outdoor activities.

-  If you need to be outdoors in the heat, limit activities to morning and evening hours, drink plenty of fluids, and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned building.

-  Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles, and always “look before you lock.”

-  Be alert for HEAT EXHAUSTION and treat it immediately. Symptoms include muscle cramps, heavy sweating, flushed skin, headache, nausea, dizziness and a rapid heart rate. To treat it: Move to a cooler area, drink cool water or sports drinks, and rest. If symptoms last longer than one hour, seek medical attention. One option: Express Care Clinic at 706 Division Street – no appointment needed.

- HEAT STROKE is more severe – when the body can no longer cool itself, that needs serious, immediate medical attention. Symptoms are hot skin, headache, confusion, seizure, irritability, changes in consciousness, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting and an oral body temperature of 104 degrees and above. For heat stroke symptoms, call 911 right away.

Visit MN Dept of Health for more tips: http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/climatechange/extremeheat.html