It’s officially summer, but of course we’ve been dealing with St George heat for a while now.
Still, barreling into July and August, it is important to find ways to beat the St George heat. After all, when it comes to living in the desert, St George heat is a reality we all have to deal with.
Dangers of St George heat
According to Medical Daily web site, there are five main dangers you should consider when it comes to excessive heat. These include:
* Heat stroke
* Heat cramps
* Sunburn
* Heat exhaustion
* Heat rash
In addition, Weather.com pointed out in 2016 there are four things extreme heat does to your body. They’re talking about extreme heat, which generally means roughly 10 degrees above average for the area. However, even if triple digits aren’t out of the ordinary for St George heat, it still bears recognizing some of the dangers. That way, you know what you’d like to avoid.
First, heat can make you feel ill. These symptoms may manifest as increased sweating and muscle cramps. Beyond that, heat rash may emerge. Or even heat edema — which is when the blood vessels dilate in order to avoid overheating — which can lead to blood pooling in the legs. Dizziness, confusion, fainting, nausea, diarrhea, headache and fatigue are other symptoms. Most of these pop up when the person is dehydrated or their body can no longer cool itself down.
The ultimate concern about overheating is the fact that it can, if left untreated, lead to death.
Seeing the signs
Recognizing the signs of the effects of St George heat is important. It is particularly important if you’re among the many outdoor workers in the community. Or if you are elderly or have young children.
According to Jobsite.Procure.com, cooling off can be difficult when the outside air temperature is close to or warmer than the body’s usual temperature.
Signs to look out for include:
* Dizziness
* Cramps
* Nausea
* Headache 
* Weakness
* Red, hot, dry skin
* High temperature
* Convulsions
* Fainting
If you see any of these symptoms you should contact a health care professional.
Keeping cool
So what if you don’t want any of these adverse effects of the St George heat? What if you just want to enjoy the gorgeous area, and stay active even in the middle of summer? Well, there are a few things to keep in mind.
For outdoor workers
* If you work outdoors, be sure to have plenty of water and electrolytes on hand. OSHA recommends that workers drink water every 15 minutes.
* Set up shade tents.
* Adjust work schedules to allow for more breaks.
When recreating
* Similar to those working the St George heat, if you’re outside playing in the rising temps, take frequent water breaks.
* Offer children water even if they are not thirsty.
* Stay in the shade when possible.
* Find water activities to do.
At home
* Try putting sheets or pajamas in the fridge or freezer for a few minutes before bed, according to Greatist.com
* Choose light-weight fabrics like cotton for sheets and pajamas.
* Make a DIY air-conditioner if yours isn’t doing the trick. Put a shallow bowl of ice or water in front of a fan. The breeze will feel much cooler.
* Place a cold wash cloth or other cold compress on pulse points at the wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles and behind the knees.
* Try a cold shower before bedtime.
* Turn off the lights and keep blinds closed during the day to keep out additional heat.
* Unplug. Even little electronics like your cell phone put off heat.
* Sleep alone, and don’t be afraid to take up all the space. Sleeping spread out — without having legs and arms touching each other — keeps your body cooler than when you’re all curled up.
General tips 
* Stay hydrated
* Eat small meals regularly, rather than forcing your metabolism to ramp up into high (and hot) gear after a large meal.
* Keep your feet cool. If your feet are comfortable, there’s a good chance you’ll feel more comfortable too.
* Take a spray bottle filled with water with you when you’re on the go. Or keep one in the fridge and occasionally give yourself a mist.
* Medicinenet.com recommends putting lotions and cosmetic toners in the fridge and then use them on hot feet.
* Use fans even inside an air conditioned house to increase air circulation.
* When wearing a hat, put ice cold water in the cap before putting it on your head.
* Avoid direct sunlight.
Water play
There are plenty of places to play and enjoy the St George heat without getting too hot. Most involve water, or are indoors. For example:
* Town Square splash pad and lazy river
* Sand Hollow Aquatic Center
* Washington City Community Center
* St. George City Pool
* Other area splash pads
* Ivins Reservoir
* Sand Hollow State Park
* Gunlock Reservoir
* Quail Lake
* Play along and in the Virgin River
* Run through the sprinklers
* Have a water fight
* Use spray bottles to keep cool on a bike ride
* Wet a bandana and keep around your neck to stay cool when walking or anywhere outdoors
* Use the early morning hours for outdoor play in the St George heat, then stay inside during the afternoon.
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