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'Maintain that healthy natural body temperature': Here is how to keep yourself cool as temps continue to rise

Federal agencies are predicting above-average temperatures for at least 20 states, including Georgia.

GEORGIA, USA — Summer's on the way and lots of us are already feeling the heat.

Federal agencies predict above-average temperatures for at least 20 states, including Georgia.

Those numbers might make you want to crank down the air conditioner or turn up the fan. But, for those who don't have either, look for alternatives.

"There are public places where cooling is offered, a public library, a shopping center if you just need to cool down for a little while," Michael Hokanson said.

Hokanson is from the state public health department; he said the most important thing to keep in mind is regulating your body's normal temperature.

"You don't wanna freeze yourself out, you want to maintain that healthy natural body temperature so that the natural processes of the body can continue," he said. "You don't want to get that overheating, because then everything can go into the negative side."

Cooling the air around you may help, but your body's largest organ, the skin, also needs to be taken care of. In addition to sunburns, heat strokes and headaches are also side effects of overheating and too much sun exposure.

Taking care of your internal health is just as important as your external health. Heat-related illnesses can leave an impact on the interior organs of your body, too, like the brain.

So, you should be wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated at all times of the year.

"Water is the gold standard, but if you're someone that wants to have the electrolyte boost, as well, there are healthier options, and sugar-free alternatives, as well," Hokanson said. "There are natural ways to get electrolytes where you're not relying on those sports drinks that have a lot of that extra sugar."

In addition to taking precautions for yourself, ensure those around you or in your care are also mindful of the risks heat poses.

If you have kids or pets, never leave them in a car turned off or they risk overheating.

The health department wants to emphasize every summer, there are several children who die as a result of overheating from sitting in hot cars.

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