Summer Solstice

This year, the summer solstice will take place on Wednesday, June 21^st. This day marks the first day of summer and is when the sun reaches its northernmost point from the equator. The summer solstice is the day with the most hours of daylight and the shortest night of the year. The Earth is tilted on its axis by 23.5° and this is what causes winter and summer.

With summer, warm weather quicker approaches and it is important to take extra care of your body on hot days. In 2014, 244 people in the United States died from excessive heat. It is important to watch out for the signs of heat-related illnesses during the summer and infants and young children, the elderly, pets, those with heart conditions, athletes, addicts, laborers, and individuals on medications are most at risk for heat-related illnesses.

Here are some tips from the Center for Disease Control to avoid heat-related illnesses during the summer:

Limit exposure to the outdoors during hot days
Air conditioning is the best way to cool off
Drink more liquid than you think you need
Replace salt lost from sweating by drinking fruit juice or sports drinks
Avoid alcohol
Wear loose, lightweight clothing and a hat
Avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day: 11:00am-3:00pm
Wear sunscreen; sunburns affects the body’s ability to cool itself
Pace yourself when you run or otherwise exert your body
After being in the heat, apply wet towels to your body or take a cool shower