It's Getting Hot Outside, But You Need to Stay Cool

As the temperatures rise, outdoor activities increase.  Every summer hundreds of people die from heat related emergencies across the United States. Prolonged exposure to high heat and loss of fluids through perspiration cause the body to react in sometimes dangerous and lethal ways. The body produces a half of gallon of perspiration to cool it every hour. If there is not enough  fluid or the heat overwhelms the body, the person develops a heat related emergency. Prevention and recognition of a heat related emergency is very important. 

First is hydration. Drink more fluids (non-alcoholic) regardless of your activity. Don't wait to be thirsty to drink. If your doctor limits the amount of fluids you consume, contact that doctor to see how much you should drink during high temperatures. Don't drink alcohol as mentioned above, but also avoid large amounts of sugar, because these can cause you to lose more body fluid.   

Also avoid very cold drinks because these can cause bad stomach cramps. Next, stay inside in an air conditioned environment. If you're not lucky enough to have air conditioning go to a library or shopping mall for a few hours to help you body stay cooler when you return back to the heat.  In extreme heat contact your local officials to see if heat relief shelters have been set up. Always wear light colored,  loose fitting clothing. NEVER leave anyone (including pets) unattended in a closed vehicle. Finally, limit your activities to morning and evening hours. Take numerous rests in shady areas. And keep your hydration high. 

Noticing signs and symptoms are very important when dealing with heat emergencies. The first sign is heat cramps. The cramps are a reaction to the body losing fluids.  Heat cramps are not dangerous, however can be very painful. Next, there is heat exhaustion. The body requires fluid and salt to maintain its vital functions. When a person too much exposure to heat or combines heat with vigorous exercise, the body loses both salt and fluids through perspiration. 

Left without enough fluid to perspire and cool itself through sweating, the person may experience heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include the following: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, and vomiting.

The most serious of the heat emergencies is heat stroke. If a person exposes themselves to too much heat and too little fluid, it overwhelms the body's heat-regulating functions. In this case, the person experiences a life threatening circumstance and needs immediate medical attention. Heat stroke causes the body temperature to increase dramatically, sometimes as high as 106 degrees. High humidity is another cause of heat stroke. Even though the body produces enough perspiration, if the air contains too much moisture, the perspiration doesn't evaporate and cool the body. Initially people show symptoms of heat exhaustion. When these symptoms of heat strokes occur, it's time to take action and get out of the heat, increase water consumption and cease strenuous activities. Other people, however, don't show the signs of heat exhaustion but immediately develop signs of heat stroke with no warning. They show absence of perspiration and have hot, red, flushed faces, rapid strong pulse, extreme headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, confusion and unconsciousness. 

Treat heat exhaustion with cool, nonalcoholic beverages, rest, cool shower, bath, or sponge bath, an air-conditioned environment, and wear light colored loose fitting clothing. If your symptoms worsen, contact a doctor or 911 immediately.  Heat stroke needs to be treated immediately before symptoms worsen. Heat stroke cannot be treated at home.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke contact 911 immediately for transport to a hospital. After contacting 911 you can help while waiting for an ambulance to arrive. first, move the person to a cooler environment. If you can, place the person into a cool bath of  water only if the person is conscious, and never leave this person unattended, or place the person into a cool shower of water. If the previous can't be done, wrap the person in a cool moist sheet and fan vigorously. Again, remember to never try to treat heat stroke at home, medical evaluation and treatment is necessary to avoid serious complications. 

Summertime can still be enjoyed, but take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from heat-related emergencies. Remember, the elderly and children need to be watched at all times during hot summer days to ensure that they remain hydrated and safe.