Tips to save money and stay health during hot temperatures

We have reached the point of summer when temperatures are pushing closer to triple digits.

It’s always nice to get some sunshine but before you enjoy the heat you need to be aware of the health risks.

It’s summer. Fans are whirling, air conditioning is blasting, you’re outside maybe mowing or working. When temperatures start climbing into the 90s or 100s, Dr. Rodney Young a family physician said heat-related illnesses can quickly sneak up on you.

“People on the extremes on the age spectrum in life are the most vulnerable to heat-related illness, but we see it in relatively young relatively health who feel invulnerable,” Young said.

Dr. Young advises people to look for signs of heat-related stress when working or playing outside.

These include an unusual increase or decrease in sweating, muscle cramps, heavy breathing and the big ones, confusion or headache.

“That is a sign you are well into the process of heat-related illness headed towards heat exhaustion which is a more severe form of that,” Dr. Young said.

Drinking large amounts of water before and during outside activity as well as taking breaks in the shade will help prevent dangerous situations. Dr. Young also advises people to not participate in outside activities alone. If you're with someone who suffers a heat-related emergency, first call 9-1-1

These high temperatures often correlate with more expensive electricity bills as well. Wes Reeves with Xcel Energy recommends not turning your thermostat off but bumping it up when your away.

“If you can keep it around 76, 77, 78 degrees you are going to save a lot of money during the summer,” Reeves said. “Now I realize that’s not some people's comfort level but something to keep in mind.”

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Other money-saving tips include keeping doors and windows tightly shut, put off cooking or running appliances. Looking long term, you can install a programable thermostat or use trees to naturally shade your home.