With the high temperatures traditionally expected during the summer months in Northeast Louisiana, it's important to stay informed and take measures to stay cool. 

While summer does not officially start until June 21, daily high temperatures are already regularly climbing into the 90s.

Each year an average of about 700 Americans die due to extreme heat, despite the fact that all heat-related deaths and illnesses are preventable, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Several heat-related medical issues can result from even a short period of exposure, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

Working outdoors or simply exercising can become problematic. Jessica Stroope, an LSU AgCenter physical activity specialist, said if your schedule allows, try to take care of outdoor chores and exercise early in the morning or late in the day when the sun is lower in the sky and the heat is less oppressive. 

If your schedule is not flexible, it is important to recognize the differences between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. 

“If you are getting overheated, you’re getting toward heat exhaustion,” Stroope said. “You may feel dizzy. You may have excessive sweating, excessive fatigue. You want to slow down immediately and get to a cooler area — at least some shade, preferably inside with some air conditioning.”  

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Knowing the signs of heat stroke — and how to avoid it — can help keep your family safe. Some of those symptoms include: 

Even though many people from Louisiana are somewhat accustomed to the heat and humidity, it doesn’t mean they cannot suffer heat exhaustion or heat stroke. 

Stroope recommends wearing loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen when exposed to the sun. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to health problems in the future. 

According to the CDC, skin-related cancers are the most common, with 1 in 5 Americans expected to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer. 

The CDC has released a list of safety tips to help avoid the worst of the summer heat. 

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