Health Tips for Hot Weather

Ads

Experts say these are the best ways to endure humidity and avoid the danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

observe reasonable precautions,
recognize the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion, and
apply appropriate treatment, should the symptoms occur.

Observe These Precautions

Pace Yourself:
For work or recreation in the sun, be sure to take frequent breaks to take on fluids and cool off out of the heat

Take It Easy:
Put off strenuous activities that can wait until weather cools

Stay Cool:
Use air-conditioning, if it's available; if it's not available, take cool baths, showers, or sponge baths and temporarily inhabit dry basement spaces, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler

Eat Lighter Meals:
Avoid use of your stove by eating more salads, fresh vegetables and fruit

Dress Appropriately:
Wear light-colored, lightweight cotton clothing, which readily releases perspiration and reflects heat. Cotton absorbs perspiration better and thus cools better than synthetics

Drink Fluids:
Drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages (water is best), especially when you're outdoors, to keep the body's cooling system operating efficiently; avoid alcohol, which can induce dehydration

Stay in The Shade:
If possible, perform work or strenuous recreational activities outdoors in the morning or early evening, when the sun's heat is less intense; avoid sun burn and ultraviolet light poisoning

Carry Water:
When you're away from home, keep water in non-breakable bottles with you to easily replenish fluids lost to perspiration

Look after The Very Young and The Aged:
Babies and older adults are more susceptible to heat induced illness; check on them regularly, call your local health department for instructions if you are unsure

Recognize The Symptoms

Heat Exhaustion:
Heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, fainting

Heat Stroke:
Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), red, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid strong pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness

Provide Treatment

Heat Stroke:

The symptoms above could indicate a life-threatening emergency.

First, call for immediate medical assistance,
then: get the victim to a shady area
cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods are available, including applying ice packs on neck, and face, and armpits: immersing in cool water, or using a garden hose
monitor the body temperature; continue cooling efforts
if emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for instructions
do not give the victim water to drink; do not give the victim any alcohol
get medical assistance as soon as possible