Each year as the weather warms, countless millions of people worldwide take to the outdoors after their winter confinement indoors. For some it is a matter of vocation while for most it is for sheer enjoyment of the outdoors. While it can not be argued that this is a preferable activity to the sedentary state we became accustomed to during the winter, it does not come without its risks. As the temperature climbs our bodies are marvelously designed to maintain an optimal temperature through various means such as sweating. But even this marvelously efficient cooling system of ours is not without its limitations and needs help. As the temperature climbs, the body becomes less and less capable of shedding itself of unwanted heat and internal body temperatures start to climb. The degree to which this increase occurs varies according individual, our individual health, age, physical fitness, how well we are adapted, climatic conditions and a whole host of other variables. The CDC (Centers For Disease Control) reports that from 1973 to 2003, 8015 people died as a result of excessive heat in the US alone. This results in an average of 276 deaths per year from excessive heat. In other words, more people died as a result of excessive heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined. In 2001 alone 300 deaths were reported due to excessive heat. So what are we to - retreat back to the inside from which we so eagerly sought to escape? Not necessarily. By using some fairly simple techniques, helpful products and common sense we can still enjoy the outdoors safely. Here are a few tips to help keep you heat safe while outdoors during the summer:

1. Drink plenty of water and natural fruit juices, even if you aren't thirsty and avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea and cola's.

2. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing and if you must go outside, use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat to avoid sunburn. Sunburns reduce the bodies ability to cool itself.

3. Avoid going out during the hottest times of the day and take frequent breaks out of the sun if working during the heat of the day.

4. Use a buddy system in high-stress jobs so that signs of heat stress don't go unnoticed.

5. While inside during the heat of the day, keep the shades drawn and blinds closed to reduce the heat-load on air conditioning. Use air conditioning whenever it is available. Even two hours per day in air conditioning can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness.

6. Where air conditioning is not available, use fans only in a ventilated room. Blow hot air out during the heat of the day and cooler air in at night.

7. Take cool (not cold) showers or baths. Eat frequent small meals. Avoid high protein foods, which increase metabolic heat. Eat fruits, vegetables, salads and other low-protein foods to keep metabolic heat down.

8. Never leave children or pets in a closed vehicle with the windows up. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can easily reach 140 degrees or more quickly.

9. Provide extra water and access to a cool environment for pets.

10. Keep abreast of weather reports

With just a few simple precautions and some assistance from cooling resources such as those at Misty Mate you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer.

Good Luck and Good Gardening!

the "Hillbilly Gardener"