How to Prepare for the Hot Summer Months and Preventing Heat Related Illnesses by Marci

It has been such a cold and snowy winter that we thought summer would never come. Well, summer is just around the corner and it is crucial to know how to remain cool in the hot months to come. Elderly people, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat related illnesses. It is important to monitor them throughout the day to make sure they are alright.

Heat Stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and the body temperature can rise to 106 or higher within 10 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability.
Warning signs include extremely high body temperature (above 103 orally); red, hot, dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; and unconsciousness. If you see someone with any of these signs call for medical help immediately. Also get the person to a shady area, cool the person quickly using cool water in any form by spraying it on them or wrapping them in water soaked sheets.

Heat Exhaustion can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Warning signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting. If it is untreated it can progress to heat stroke. If symptoms are severe medical help should be sought immediately. Otherwise try to help the person to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last for longer than 1 hour.

To remain cool and keep your body temperature regulated:

-Drink plenty of fluids-Regardless of your activity level, during the hot weather you should increase your fluid intake.

-Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen-Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. If you go outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen with SPF15 or higher 30 minutes to going outside.

-Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when the sun is not as strong. Try to rest in shady areas.

-Stay Cool Indoors-Stay indoors in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning try to go to a shopping mall, public library, or a friend’s home who does have air conditioning. Spending a few hours in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.

Heat related illnesses can strike anybody at any age. It is important to monitor our own bodies and others around us for any symptoms and use common sense.