Hot weather isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. Excessive heat - when the temperature is at least 10 degrees hotter than average for that region - causes more deaths than any other type of weather. The Red Cross of Southeast Louisiana offers tips to prepare for and stay safe during excessive heat: discuss the importance of heat safety with your family, know who in your neighborhood is at risk (the elderly, young, sick, and overweight), stay well-hydrated, wear light clothing and avoid extreme temperature changes. Read more.

In the heat of summer, staying properly hydrated is extremely important. Thirst is your body’s way of telling you that you are already dehydrated, and headaches, dizziness, and muscle cramps are even more serious signs. You can avoid dehydration by drinking fluids before, during, and after outdoor activity. Water should always be your go-to drink of choice, and eating fruits and vegetables can also help. Caffeinated beverages and alcohol can actually dehydrate your body. Read more.

Summer is mosquito season, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family from mosquito-borne diseases like West-Nile virus and EEE. The Louisiana Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness has some useful tips for staying safe while avoiding mosquito bites, including removing standing water near your home and applying mosquito repellant to clothing (but not to bare skin). Read more.

Summer is the time for cookouts and fresh food, but traditional barbeque fare isn’t always the healthiest choice. The Mayo Clinic has posted a list of seven complete healthy summer menus, each containing four or five recipes, that are easy to prepare and are sure to be both delicious and good for you and your family. Each recipe includes a dietitian’s tip that tells you why it is so good for you. Click here to see the menus and start your summer of deliciously healthy eating.

Summer brings a lot of positives, like outdoor activities, swimming, picnics and other fun things. But, here are 6 summer health hazards you may not see coming and how to avoid them.