Brenda Skidmore's Health Tips

Summer has finally arrived in the Missouri Ozarks folks, and much to our amazement, the heat and humidity can feel pretty darned intense. Our early spring was rather cool and wet this year, and the later half was wet and mild. My body has not had much of chance to fully acclimate to the heat very well, and I'm sure the rest of you feel the same. It's too bad we can't be a kid again and just lounge around the community pool or area lakes to cool off whenever we feel like it.


Just as a reminder, extreme summer heat and humidity requires some special attention to common sense techniques to avoid heat related illnesses. In our zeal to run outside and take in all the summer fun we can stand, sometimes we tend to forget some of the precautions we need to take to get the most enjoyment we can out of the season.

Think safety first, and you should not have too many problems.

All the health experts agree, that consistent fluid replenishment and taking frequent cooling down breaks are the two most important things you can do to fight off heat exhaustion. My best advice to you, is drink plenty of cool (not ice cold) clean water daily and add a little unprocessed salt to the mix. Drink less soda pop, alcohol, tea, and other sugary drinks, as they actually force water out of your body. Do not become a victim of "dehydration' this time of year! Sports drinks are alright, occasionally, when you are really physically exerting yourself. Otherwise, they aren't all that helpful when you are only sweating as a normal reaction to being hot.

Here is a link to a short refresher course in case you want to brush up on what you already know.

Have fun everyone, the summer season is always way too short to suit me. I really like wearing summer attire, all the way down to my feet. I think it's because it allows more freedom of movement.

BTW, Happy Father's Day all you dads out there. You don't know how much we appreciate all that you have done for us, and continue to do for us every day. Thanks!