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Guide To Beating The Heat

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- When the weather gets very hot, staying cool isn't just about being comfortable.

Excessive heat can cause exhaustion, heat cramps, a stroke and other heat-related illnesses. So, remember to stay cool and hydrated. There are tons of fun activities to do in the area that will help you accomplish both.

Here are some activities to keep in mind:

Shopping Malls

If you are feeling hot and have a little extra money to burn, head to the mall. A little retail therapy is always good for the soul. What better day to go than a hot and humid day? For our guide to shopping malls in the area, click here.

City Pools

Did you know Philadelphia has more pools than any city in the country? There are 70 public outdoor pools and 5 indoor pools open for the 2012 summer season, and there are also spray grounds located across the city. For our guide to the city's private and public pools, click here.

The Beach

Of course, for some people, pools may not be their cup of tea and they may prefer the beach. Well, they're in luck! For a guide to the top beaches to head to this summer, click here.

Water Sports Along The Shore

Beat the heat with a nautical adventure! Atlantic and Cape May counties host incredible water sports, boating and fishing trips for all. For a guide to the shore's water sports, click here.

Fun On The Water In Philadelphia
You can hang out on the waters of the Delaware and Schuylkill Rivers year round, but with the temperature rising, why not go now? For a guide to water activities in Philadelphia, click here.

The Museums

Philadelphia is known for its great landmarks, and if you're a museum buff, Philadelphia is the place to be. Head to a museum and stay cool in their air-conditioned buildings! For our guide to the city's top museums, click here.

Water Ice

Who doesn't love water ice? Philadelphia has so many other options when it comes to refreshing, homemade water ice. For a guide to some of the city's best water ice spots, click here.

The Marinas

The Greater Philadelphia boating region is rich in marina accommodations on interconnected, navigable waterways like the Delaware River and Bay, the C& D Canal and the Chesapeake Bay. For our guide to the top marinas in the area, click here.

Paddling

When the sun becomes too unbearable and you live in the suburbs, paddling might be an appealing idea to you. Escape to a river, lake or creek and get in touch with nature while staying cool. For a guide to the area's top paddling spots, click here.

Concert Halls/Theaters

Stay cool while listening to some of your favorite musicians or watching an interesting drama. For a guide to concert halls and theaters in the area, click here.

Cooling Centers

The elderly are especially vulnerable to suffering from heat-related illnesses. There are plenty of places for our senior citizens to cool down. For a guide to cooling centers in the area, click here.

Safety Tips

Signs of heat illness:

  • Extreme sweating
  • Nausea (upset stomach)
  • Feeling very weak
  • Feeling tired
  • Thirsty
  • Light-headed or dizzy

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and get to a cool place if you have these symptoms.

Also, be sure to look out for others during waves of hot weather.

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