Las Vegas & Summer Heat

In Las Vegas you’ll find the mercury regularly rising to the three-digit level on summer days. In these conditions, you’ll need to take extra precautions to make sure the kids  –  and you  –  don’t fall ill.

The first concern is heat cramps, muscle cramps caused because of lost water and salt in the body. From there, it’s not far to heat exhaustion, when the body tries to cool itself off and the victim feels, well, exhausted and even nauseous. Finally, heat stroke can set in, a life-threatening condition.

What can your family do to avoid these conditions?

•First, drink water – lots of water. Everyone should drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to reach for the water jug. Thirst is an early sign of heat stress so start drinking before it reaches that point.

•Slow down. Curtail your activities whenever possible and do like the animals do in the high heat – move slowly.

•Take lots of breaks.

•Stay out of the direct sun.

•Make sure everyone is protected from the sun. Put wide brimmed hats and caps on the kids as well as sunglasses.

•Wear sunscreen. Sunburned skin is a definite no-no.

•Avoid the hours between 10am and 2pm, that’s when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Enjoy an early morning hike then kick back and take a swim brea!