Experts say drink water when out in summer sun

Whether you are out on the lake, at the pool, at a baseball game or enjoying any other fun summer events, experts say that it is vital that you drink a lot of water and try to stay cool.

According to Michelle Hankes, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of East Tennessee, people that are outside in the summer heat should carry a water bottle with them at all times, and if you have your pet outside with you be sure to bring water for them.

"As well as staying hydrated you will also want to have a first aid kit on hand and if you are not in the shade be sure to cover up and wear a hat," says Hankes.

The final thing that Hankes says that you will need out in the hot weather is knowledge of what to do in a crisis, and how to prepare for the worst in advance. A great tool for that is the red cross first aid app.

Hankes says that one of the most important things to do in a crisis situation is to call 911.

Jennifer Waller, Community Nutritionist at Knox County Health Department, says that as important as it is to keep drinking water, many foods such as watermelon and lettuce help to keep you hydrated because of the water in them.

"Any watery vegetables are really good foods to snack on when you are out in the hot weather," says Waller. "Eating a lot of salad in the summer time is good because you are getting foods like lettuce, bell peppers, and cucumbers."

Waller also saysthat Gatorade or other drinks with electrolytes are good to drink if you are working out or being very active out in the heat.

"If you running or working out I recommend that you take a break after every mile for a hydration break," says Waller.

Andrea May, spokesperson for KUB, recommends that you dress in thin layers when you are in your home and try to keep the thermostat as close to 78 as you comfortably can.

"If you are going to be gone for the day or even when you are on vacation we recommend that you bump the thermostat up to even things out," says May. "You are also going to want to make sure that your windows and doors are sealed properly in any weather extreme."

May says that doing things like leaving on ceiling fans, closing blinds, and planting trees around your air conditioning unit to keep the sun off of it helps.

Charlayne Frazier, program manager at Knox County Health Department is helping putting on an event on June 4 called, check up in the city, where they will be offering free check-ups to children, especially those in Knox County Schools.

"Our goal is that we are helping parents get caught up on their child's checkups," says Frazier. "We will have a fun day with health, fun activities, popcorn, ice cream and a little bit of everything."

The event will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the back parking lot of Austin East High School.