With much hotter summer temperatures and the possibility of triple heat index back in the weather forecast for the next couple of days, it’s a good time for reminders of how to avoid heat-related illnesses.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf says when you are outside when it’s really hot, wear loose and light-weight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat to cover the nose, cheeks, ears and neck, along with sunglasses to protect eyes, and wear sunscreen to prevent sunburns.

“Not only for the skin cancer prevention but when you get sunburn it affects your ability to cool your own body. So if you can’t cool your own body that sets you up for disaster.” 

Wolf recommends drinking plenty of fluids before you start to feel thirsty and take plenty of breaks in shady, cool areas. She points out that muscle cramping can lead to heat exhaustion and then heat stroke if you don’t take steps to prevent those heat-related illnesses from happening. The National Weather Service anticipates heat index for today and tomorrow to reach as high as 106 degrees.