Summer officially begins on June 20 with the potential for the season’s first official heat wave of three or more days reaching 90 degrees or higher to occur next week. Atlantic County health officials remind residents and visitors to take precautions to avoid heat-related illness.
Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion or heat stroke, happen when the body becomes unable to properly cool itself and there is a rapid rise in body temperature.
The evaporation of sweat is the normal way to remove body heat, but when the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly and may prevent the body from releasing heat.
Protect yourself by staying cool and hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you don’t feel thirsty; avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol which can contribute to dehydration; and cool your body temperature by spending at least a few hours in air conditioning or taking a cool shower.