It's a great time to be outdoors! Fresh air has so many benefits: Increased energy, improved circulation and vitamin D just to name a few. It's also important to know how to safely enjoy the summer weather and heat!

Pay attention to the humidity before heading outside. Humidity is considered high if greater than or equal to 50%. High humidity prevents sweat from evaporating as fast which in turn slows down the body';s ability to release heat. If you're outside for a prolonged amount of time with high humidity, this can cause heat-related illness.

Age and health-related factors can also heighten your risk for illness in hot weather in addition to prescription drug and alcohol use. According to the CDC, those who are at highest risk of heat-related illness include people 65 and older, children younger than two, and people with chronic diseases or mental illness.

CDC Information on Heat-Related Illnesses