The summer heat didn’t waste anytime getting here. Summer can very enjoyable as long as we respect the heat and learn to listen to our bodies. Aside from being careful in the heat staying cool this summer will just make it a little more fun.
Did you know that heat is the top weather-related killer, causing more deaths than lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined? When high temperatures and high humidity come together, the body loses its ability to cool itself and heat-related illnesses increase. When temperatures reach into the nineties, the very young and the aged are at highest risk—and the risk increases the longer the heat spell lasts.
These summer safety tips for staying cool this summer
-
Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to get something to drink. Avoid caffeinated or sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages in high heat.
-
Wear in loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. When outside, include a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. This will keep you from sunburn.
-
Stay in cool areas whenever possible. A cool shower or bath can help you feel more comfortable. Avoid hot, enclosed areas, and never leave anyone, or pets, in a closed, parked vehicle.
-
Eat lighter meals.
- Wear sunscreen
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully
-
Close window coverings that allow in the most sunlight
-
Slow down. Take into account the heat, and adjust your activities accordingly throughout the day.
The following warning signs will help you recognize if you or someone near you has a heat-related illness.
- Heavy sweating, or the inability to sweat through over heating
- Pale skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion or being disoriented
- Nausea and vomiting
- Semi-conscious or fainting
What happens to the body as a result of exposure to extreme heat?
People suffer heat-related illness when the body’s temperature control system is overloaded. The body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during extremely hot weather.
When the humidity is high, sweat will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from releasing heat quickly and causing heat stroke. Other conditions that can limit the ability to regulate temperature include old age, youth (age 0-4), obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug use and alcohol use.
6 First Steps to Take After Recognizing Heat-Induced Illness
Call 911.
Get the person out of the sun and into a cool area. An air-conditioned area is ideal, but moving someone into the shade will also help.
Apply water to help the person cool off.
Apply ice to the neck or armpits, where large blood vessels are close to the surface.
Remove any heavy clothing.
Immerse the body in cool water, either at a swimming pool or in a bathtub.
A person with concerns about heat-related illness can visit your local Coastal Urgent Care location for further examination any day of the week.