Staying Safe In The Hot Weather

The heat and humidity of summer has arrived and many of us are spending more time outdoors. During this time of hot weather and high humidity, it does not take long for a person to suffer medical issues if they are not properly prepared for the weather. Just a few simple tips could prevent you from ending up sick or even worse, hospitalized as a result of heat related illness.

The high temperatures and heat of the summertime can quickly dehydrate your body and elevate its temperature. When this occurs it impedes the body's ability to cool itself. There are several different types of heat related emergencies:

1. Dehydration: A loss of water in the body.

Signs/Symptoms: Weakness, headaches, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.

Treatment: Call your doctor or 911. You should drink water that cool, but not ice cold. Sports drinks such as Gatorade can help replace the salts or "electrolytes" that your body loses when it sweats.

2. Heat Exhaustion: Illness caused by too much heat and dehydration

Signs/Symptoms: Heavy or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting

Treatment: Move to a cool and shady place, drink plenty of water or Gatorade. Call your doctor of 911 if you don't feel well soon.

3. Heat Stroke: Dangerous rise in body temperature that can be deadly

Signs/Symptoms: Red, hot, and dry skin, body temperature of 103 or above, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, confusion, and passing out.

Treatment: Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool and shady place, take off loose or heavy clothing, drink water or Gatorade. Douse yourself with cool water or use a cool compress to help bring down your body temperature

There are many ways you can avoid these hot weather illnesses

1. Avoid being outside during the hottest times of the day. If you must be outside stay in the shade as much as possible and drink plenty of water. When drinking water, drink cool water instead of ice cold water. Ice cold water can lead to cramping.

2. Avoid beverages such as soda, alcohol, or energy drinks. They contain caffine and sugar which actually dehydrates your body faster.

3. If your urine is clear or a light yellow color you are drinking enough water. If your urine is a dark yellow color you are starting to dehydrate.

4. Wear lightweight and light-colored clothing. Clothing made of light-weight cotton fabrics are the best for hot weather.

5. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to keep the sun off of your face and body.

6. Use air conditioning if you have it in your home. If your home is not air conditioned visit a place that has air conditioning such as a shopping mall, grocery store, theater, or library.

7. Pay extra attention to the young, elderly, and sick. The heat and humidity can affect them faster than most people.

For more information on heat related illnesses and how to avoid them you can visit the following websites:

The AGS Foundation for Health in Aging's website at www.healthinaging.org/public_education/hot_weather_safety_tipsv3.pdf

Center for Disease Control's website at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/heat_guide