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Beat the Summer Heat
July 01, 2010
Beat the Summer Heat
The summer season is upon us and it's time to think about preventing dehydration and other heat-related illnesses. There are many simple measures that can be taken to significantly reduce the chance of getting heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat Safety Tips
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 400 Americans die each year due to summer’s sweltering heat. Everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees, but the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses.
The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:
- Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. It’s also a good idea to wear hat or use an umbrella.
- Drink plenty of water. Carry water or juice with you and drink continuously, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which dehydrate the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid high-protein foods, which increase metabolic heat.
- Slow down. Avoid strenuous activities. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually between 4 and 7 a.m.
- Stay indoors when possible. If air-conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor and out of the sunshine. Remember that electric fans do not cool, they simply circulate the air.
Types of Heat-Related Illnesses
Heat Cramps: Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms, usually in the abdomen, arms, or legs, due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are lease severe than other types of heat-related illnesses, they are an early sign that they body is having trouble with the heat.
Heat Exhaustion: Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke. Warning sings of heat exhaustion include the following:
- Heavy sweating
- Paleness
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
Heat Stroke: Also known as sunstroke, heat stroke can be life-threatening. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly. Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103F, orally)
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Unconsciousness
General Care for Heat Emergencies
Victims of heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool, wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.
Home care is appropriate for heat cramps and mild forms of heat exhaustion, however, heat stroke is a medical emergency, and an ambulance should be called immediately.
*Information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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