It was a lovely night leaving work on Wednesday. The moon was bright and nearly full, and the sounds of nature came alive. What was shocking, however, was the stifling 84 degree temperature that still persisted at midnight.

While there was hope that rain would clear some of the humidity that’s more common for August in this region, the damp heaviness in the air continued adding insult to injury Thursday morning as the sun blazed into the sky for a second round of summer-like temperatures.

While some of us may rejoice when it’s time for a swim and getting a tan, the National Weather Service of Pittsburgh cautioned that the mix of hot temperatures and high humidity could elevate concerns of heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, as well as present problems for people with existing respiratory conditions.

As we keep cool, it’s important to remember to check on your friends and neighbors, particularly the elderly. People of this age group are more likely to contract heat-related illnesses, as the temperature doesn’t have to be as high for them to develop in senior citizens.

Children are also at higher health risk when temperatures soar. As someone who grew up in one of the last generations to go outside in the morning and not see a television screen again until dark, I can distinctly remember not realizing the passage of time throughout the day. When children get to playing, they often don’t stop to worry about their own well-being. It’s important to know what to have on hand to make sure that some fun in the sun doesn’t end with a visit to the pediatrician.

Make sure your child and any others under your care stay hydrated throughout the day. Encourage them to drink water often and have it readily available before they even ask for it. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should not be given water within the first six months of life, but additional breast milk or formula in a bottle is recommended.

The summer dress code is also important. Try to dress children in clothes that are light-colored and lightweight to allow for sweat evaporation. While they may not be excited about it, also urge them to rest at certain intervals throughout the day. Cooling off in the shade for a few minutes can make all the difference.

As long as we help each other beat the heat and make sure those with the highest health risks are taken care of, we can kick back and enjoy the sunshine.

– CM