Mike's NBC-TV stories

Apps to help you cope in hot weather

Whether at work or on the beach, a good chunk of the country is going to be dealing with dangerous levels of heat this week.

With the right amount of precaution, however, you can avoid any health issues related to sweltering conditions anywhere and at any time of the year.

To avoid dehydration, consider iDrated. The app oversees a users’ water intake by setting a daily target for hydration based on your gender, age, weight, and exercise schedule. It can even tell users their level of hydration at any given moment and send alerts for when another drink is due. The app is free for iOS.

When it comes to working outside, the OSHA Heat Safety Tool app developed by the U.S. Department of Labor allows workers and supervisors to calculate the heat index for specific worksites and displays a risk level, sending reminders about things like drinking enough fluids, scheduling breaks, and adjusting work operations. The app is free for iOS and Android.

To avoid getting too much sun, consider the EPA’s Sunwise UV Index app from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, It provides a daily and hourly forecast of ultraviolet radiation from the sun delivering location-based information. It uses a color-coded system so users know when the UV index is highest, making it easy to plan for the day. Free for iOS and Android.

Mike is a veteran journalist whose video "PC Mike" reports have been distributed weekly to all 215 NBC-TV stations since 1994, making him one of the most experienced tech reporters in the country. His tech stories and videos have appeared on MSNBC, CNBC, the Today Show, The New York Times, USA Today and in numerous national newspapers and magazines. In addition to the PC Mike tech blog, he also publishes the Roadtreking.com RV Travel Blog in which he travels North America in an RV reporting about interesting people and places.