How to stay, play safe on hot summer days

Staying out of the heat is not an option for students in the week-long tennis clinic at Summit High School.

“We are taking plenty of water breaks,” coach Ryan Cruz said Monday.

Cruz has been making sure water bottles are always nearby.

“We have a station that’s in the shade, so that helps us,” he said. “But other than that, for the most part we are out in the heat, so just the importance of drinking lots of water.”

But it’s not just water that you need on a hot day.

“Being indoors in air conditioning is the best thing you can do,” said Steve Kreps, emergency room director at St. Charles Bend. “But if you’re going to be outdoors, listen to your body. So if you feel too hot, you’re too hot.”

If you don’t take precautionary steps to beat the heat the right way, the heat could beat you.

“Heat stroke is a very urgent situation, and it can cause organ damage, it can cause brain damage and even death,” Kreps said. “We have seen people come into the Emergency Department who have severe heat stroke who actually don’t survive.”

Doctors say to avoid the worst-case scenario: drink water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

A shot glass full of sunscreen of at least an SPF of 15 should cover your whole body 30 minutes before you head outside. Stay indoors if possible, and wear light-colored clothing to reflect the heat.

So even when it’s this hot, you can still have fun.