JULY 2024 EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER Live Well. Work Well. Beat the Summer Heat Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it • Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature can threaten your health, especially for older adults reaches 104 F or higher within minutes. The and children. Hot and humid weather can make it person may also become confused or lose more challenging for your body to cool down, consciousness. The condition is the result of leading to heat-related illnesses. If left untreated, untreated heat exhaustion and a serious medical heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening. In emergency that must be treated quickly by a fact, heat-related deaths have been on the rise in the professional. United States. Don’t let the summer get the best of you. Consider these tips to prevent heat-related illness: The CDC reports that heat-related • Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcoholic and deaths in the country have been caffeinated beverages (e.g., coffee, tea and soda) increasing, with approximately that can lead to dehydration. 1,602 occurring in 2021, 1,722 in • Eat light, refreshing foods. 2022, and 2,302 in 2023. • Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. • Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat Exposure to abnormal or prolonged heat and and sunglasses. humidity without relief or adequate fluids can cause • Do chores or other activities in the morning or various heat-related illnesses. Here are some evening. common types of illnesses to keep an eye out for • Stay indoors as much as possible or take breaks this summer: from being outside. • Heat cramps are a mild form of heat illness Remembering these tips can help you beat the heat. consisting of painful muscle cramps and spasms. Contact a doctor if heat-related symptoms don’t These occur during or after intense exercise and improve within an hour and seek immediate medical sweating in high heat, so moving to a cool place attention if the person has heatstroke. to rest and stretch cramped muscles is important. • Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body, usually due to not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water.

JULY 2024 LIVE WELL. WORK WELL. NEWSLETTER: Grilling Safety Tips Although grilling is a popular way to prepare food in the summer, it can also be dangerous. According to Healthy Lifestyle May the National Fire Protection Association, an average Offset Genetic Risks of almost 11,500 home fires involve grills, hibachis or barbecues each year. May, June, July and August are by 62% the most active months for grill fires, with July being the top month. Genetics may put some people at Keep the following safety suggestions in mind when greater risk for a shorter lifespan or grilling: premature death; however, a healthy • Keep your grill at least 10 feet away from other lifestyle could help significantly combat objects, including your house, decks and it. A new study found that risk could be overhanging branches. mitigated by about 62% in people with a genetic predisposition. Furthermore, • Set up the grill on a flat surface, and don’t bring it those individuals could extend their into an unventilated or enclosed space (e.g., lifespan by up to 5.5 years with a healthy garage or porch). lifestyle. • Only use starter fluid with charcoal grills, never The study identified four lifestyle factors with gas grills. that offered better benefits for • Keep children and pets at least 3 feet away from counterbalancing genetics and the area. prolonging the human lifespan: • Never leave your grill unattended. • No current smoking • Clean the grates and trays to remove grease and • Regular physical activity fat buildup. • Adequate and consistent sleep Overall, practicing vigilance and taking proper • Healthy diet precautions can help reduce fires and associated Building a healthier lifestyle may sound burn injuries caused by grills. challenging, but small changes can make a difference. Contact your doctor for additional guidance. Safe Food Temperatures Poultry Ground meats Steaks and chops Fish 165 F 160 F 145 F 145 F