Tips And Tricks: How To Deal With The Summer Heat In Montana.

If you're anything like me, you might be allergic to the sun. While everyone else in my family can tan, I just burn...and it's not pretty.

Now that summer is here in Montana, folks are going to be spending more time outdoors and more time under the sun. While you should make sure and take care of your skin, you also need to take care of your body, and that means being aware of the effects of the heat.

Even though Montana is located in the Northwestern part of the United States, we still see plenty of sunshine and hot days here in Big Sky Country. So, whether you're hanging out on Flathead Lake, fishing the Yellowstone, or just hiking one of our amazing trails, you need to be aware of what the heat can do to you.

READ MORE: Popular Montana town ranked as one of the most educated in the U.S.

The American Red Cross has a list of things you need to know when dealing with extreme temperatures, and they include the following:

• Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids (stay away from sugary drinks) and make sure those around you are drinking fluids as well. Also, if sweating, make sure you have snacks or sports drinks to replace the salt and minerals lost.
• Wear Lightweight and Loose Clothing. Another helpful tip is to take cool showers and or baths to help keep your body temperature down.
• Limit Your Outdoor Activity. If you have to be outdoors, schedule most of your tasks during the early morning hours. Also, take plenty of breaks and spend as much time in the shade as possible.
• Stay in Air Conditioned Spaces. If your residence doesn't have AC, go to a designated cooling location in the case of extremely high temperatures. There are many cooling locations across the state.

For those wondering what the symptoms are for a heat-related illness, they include the following:

• Heavy Sweating
• Fast, Weak Pulse
• Nausea or Vomiting
• Muscle Cramps
• Dizziness, Headaches, or Passing Out
• Tiredness or Weakness

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Heat-related illness is no joke, and folks who are elderly or dealing with certain illnesses can be affected more easily. Make sure that you check in on those who are more vulnerable over the summer months.