BAY CITY, Mich. -- Summer is in full swing here in the Mitten, and we at Graff Bay City know that you've been enjoying all of this sunny weather as much as we have! However, the super hot and dry conditions we've been experiencing lately can be dangerous if you aren't careful, sometimes even deadly. Our dealership cares about the safety of you and your family just as much as we care about your vehicle, so we've put together this summer heat survival guide with some helpful tips to stay safe when the temperatures rise!
1. STAY HYDRATED
Topping our list is perhaps the most important thing you can do to beat the heat: staying hydrated. At least 60% of the human body is made up of water, and it's responsible for the proper function of every cell and organ including the heart and brain. It also helps to regulate our body temperature through sweating, and, just like an engine uses oil for the same purpose, to lubricate our joints.
It's recommended that you drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of the stuff every day, and that's especially true during the summer. Whether you're outside working in the yard or spending a day at the park, always make sure to take a water break!
2. EAT REGULARLY
During the summer, we tend to feel less hungry because our body temperature tries to regulate itself by cutting down on heat-inducing processes like digestion. However, a reduced intake of salt, sugar, and calories puts us at risk for heat exhaustion. Even though you may not feel like it, it's still important to make sure you eat when it's hot outside.
Fruits and vegetables are light on the stomach and contain just the right mixture of salt, sugar, and calories to keep you going without taking a lot of effort to digest, thus keeping your body temperature happy. On top of that, choices like strawberries and cucumbers have high H2O content, which helps keep you hydrated in addition to drinking water!
3. APPLY SUNSCREEN
The sun itself can reach temperatures of 27 million degrees Fahrenheit, and most of its radiation is kept under control by our atmosphere so we don't end up a big ball of flames just like it! However, we're still at risk of harm by the sun's UV rays, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and even premature aging.
Before heading outside, be sure to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes beforehand and reapply the same amount you started with every two hours.
4. DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Typical things in our summer wardrobes include tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops - all great choices! Although, while it may not seem like it, long sleeve shirts and pants made of lightweight materials like linen are also good for hot weather. Not only do they keep your skin protected from the sun, but they also help you to retain water lost through sweating, which will evaporate quickly in extreme heat. Hats and sunglasses are important accessories to have as they keep the sun out of your face and eyes!
5. WATCH THE TIME
Unfortunately, hot weather doesn't care if you have things to do, but you can plan accordingly! The hottest parts of the day during summer are typically 10 AM and 4 PM, and any outside chores on your to-do list should be completed before or after, respectively. Your neighbor isn't mowing the lawn at 9:30 in the morning simply because they want to annoy you!
At Graff Bay City, we want you and your family to enjoy the warm, summer weather and stay safe in the process! We hope the information we've provided here is useful to you. While you're at it, take a look at how to protect your vehicle in this heat with our summer car care maintenance guide! If you need any help or have any questions, feel free to contact and schedule an appointment with our service department!
Hank Graff Chevy is located at 3636 Wilder Road, Bay City, MI 48706 and we are here to help our community grow to become an even better place to call home! For more information on Hank Graff Chevrolet, or for any questions call us at (989) 684-4411 or visit our website: www.GraffBayCity.com.
