BEATING THE TEXAS HEAT Essential Tips for Staying Safe This Summer
When summer hits Texas, it doesn’t hold back. High temperatures turn sidewalks into griddles and shade into a survival tool. If you plan to be outside for any length of time, you need to know how to handle it. Ignoring the signs of heat stress can lead to serious problems quickly. Water has to come first. In summer, staying ahead of dehydration makes a big difference. If you wait until you’re thirsty to drink, you’re already behind. You should drink water steadily throughout the day, especially if you work outside or even move around in the heat. It’s also wise to skip the drinks loaded with sugar or caffeine. They pull more water out of your system than they give back.
What you wear matters, too. Light-colored clothes reflect the sun’s rays, while dark colors absorb heat. Loose, airy shirts and pants give your body a better shot at cooling down through sweat. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses lower your risk of heat exhaustion. And don’t forget the sunscreen. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every couple of hours, will help you avoid burns that can mess up more than just your weekend Although it isn’t always possible, carefully timing projects outdoors can make a huge difference. The hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. are typically the hottest, so work in the early morning or in the evening whenever you can. If you must
push through the midday heat, take breaks in the shade more often than you think you need. And whatever you do, never leave kids or a pet in a parked car — even for a minute. On the hottest days, watching for the early signs of heat illness can save lives. Heavy sweating, weakness, a headache, dizziness, and nausea are all red flags. If someone seems confused, stops sweating altogether, or collapses, it’s an emergency. Cool them down and call for help immediately. Summer can be a great time in Texas if you stay smart about the heat. It’s much easier to keep trouble away than to dig out of it, so listen to your body and help protect those around you.
Texas-Size LAUGHS
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. Cheesy Tomato- Basil Stuffed Chicken Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
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