According to the weather forecast, there’s going to be some hot times ahead over the next few days. Yoopers will be encountering their first taste of really hot weather this summer. In Escanaba, highs are predicted in the 80s. Away from the lake, get ready for temperatures in the 90s.

Many Yoopers just can’t handle the heat, which is probably why we live in a place where summer weather is short-lived ad winter seems to last forever.

Locally, one of the best ways to beat the heat is to head for the water. We live in the perfect place considering Delta County as more shoreline than any other county in the State of Michigan. If you live in the Delta County area, you’re only a short drive to the nearest beach.

If water and sand is not your thing, try going to a movie in an air conditioned movie theater. Check out what’s playing at the Willow Creek Cinema and chill out watching a movie. Most stores are also air conditioned, so maybe you can catch up on some shopping and stay cool as well.

Extreme heat and the dangers that it poses is a serious matter. Being overwhelmed by heat can be life threatening.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to take steps to protect themselves from risks over the next few days.

“With parts of our state experiencing very high temperatures over the next week, it is important for Michiganders to take steps to stay cool, safe, and healthy,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “Limit time in the heat if you can. Stay hydrated. Check on those in your family or community who may need help. Those without access to air conditioning can text or call Michigan 211 or contact their local health department to find nearby cooling centers. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this.”

When it is very hot, there is an increased risk of heat-related illness because the body cannot cool itself enough. The most severe heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death.

“Michigan residents can take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Young children, older adults and those who have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance. Limit time in heat, stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and find somewhere with air conditioning or take cool showers.”

To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:

– Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol.

– Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening.

– Spend time indoors in air conditioning.

– Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.

– Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down.

– Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance. –

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside. Because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult, they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include:

– Heavy sweating

– Muscle cramps

– Weakness

– Dizziness

– Headache

– Nausea

– Vomiting

– Fainting

– Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

– Tiredness

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter and further stress the body’s ability to self-regulate. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down.