Everyday Wellness in Brecksville: Summer Heat Can Be Dangerous

We wait all winter and spring for the summer weather to arrive, and every year I promise that I’m not going to complain about the hot weather. But inevitably, when the temperature rises above 90 degrees, most of us start to whine.

But summer heat can be more than just a nuisance; it can be downright dangerous. Extreme heat causes more fatalities per year in the United States than floods, tornadoes, lightning and hurricanes combined, according to the National Weather Service.  

The website for the Cuyahoga County Board of Health says that the elderly, the very young and those who are overweight, have a mental illness or live alone are especially affected by high heat. They also say that people can suffer from several types of illness from the heat, including heat exhaustion, dehydration and heat stroke.

According to the National Weather Service, the symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness and clammy skin. To treat heat exhaustion, the service says to get out of the sun, lie down in a cool room and loosen clothing. Apply wet cloths to the skin and sip water, unless the person becomes nauseous. The symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, hot, dry skin and a rapid pulse. If you suspect someone has heat stroke, seek medical assistance immediately.

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health has a list of places you can go to cool off during a heat wave, called “Beat the Heat” locations. The list is extensive and includes Broadview Heights City Hall. Some of the locations also provided transportation.

If you don’t have air-conditioning at home, here are my suggestions for air-conditioned places in Brecksville where one can spend a few hours out of the heat. , or are a few choices, and is so cool during the summer that you might even need a sweater.

Here are a few tips from the National Weather Service on how to stay safe during a heat wave:

• Don't leave a child unattended in a car, even with the windows down.
• Put off strenuous activities until the coolest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid caffeine and alcohol.

More tips can be found on the National Weather Service's website.

Knowing more about the dangers of extreme heat will make me more careful this summer. And I’ve decided I’m definitely not going to complain about the summer heat this year, if summer weather ever arrives, that is.