You may already be thinking about the fall, but the
summer isn’t over yet. We can probably expect a few more weeks of scorching
heat, so here’s what you need to know. The CDC reports that there are nearly
400 heat-related deaths in the United States every year. It can be hard to beat the heat, but here are
a few tips to help you keep your cool:
· If you must work outside, try to do so during
the early morning when it is coolest
· Take frequent rest and water breaks in a cool
area, drinking enough water so you never become thirsty (about 8 ounces or 1
cup every 15-20 minutes)
· Wear light-colored, loose-fitting, breathable
clothing such as cotton and avoid non-breathing synthetic clothing
· Avoid alcohol and drinks that have large amounts
of caffeine or sugar
Although we should all take precautions to stay cool
during the summer, certain people are particularly susceptible to heat-related
illnesses: infants and children less than 4 years old, adults over 65 years
old, anyone who is overweight, anyone with a chronic disease such as high blood
pressure or diabetes, and people taking certain medications (check with your
doctor or pharmacist).
Some warning signs you might see include:
·
Heavy sweating
·
Extreme weakness or fatigue
·
Dizziness
·
Confusion
·
Nausea
·
Headache
·
Either paleness or flushing
·
Muscle cramps
·
Fast, shallow breathing
·
Elevated body temperature
If you should see this happening to someone, you should
move them to a cool area, bring them plenty of cool water to drink, and
encourage them to take a cool shower or bath.
Heat stroke is much more serious. It happens when the
normal sweating mechanism fails and the body can no longer keep itself cool.
When this occurs, body temperature becomes dangerously high within 10 to 15
minutes. Some warning signs you might see include:
·
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating
·
Chills
·
Throbbing headache
·
Nausea
·
A rapid pulse
·
A very high body temperature (above 103°f)
·
Dizziness
·
Confusion
·
Slurred speech
·
Hallucinations
·
Unconsciousness
If you should see this happening to someone, you should immediately
call 911 and get help. You need to move the person to a cooler area and
cool them rapidly using whatever means you can. If you’re out in the yard, you
can spray them with cool water from a garden hose. If you move inside, you can
immerse them in a tub of cool water. If possible, you should monitor their body
temperature and continue cooling efforts until their temperature drops below
101-102°F or until emergency medical personnel arrive. Do not give the person
fluids to drink unless directed to do so by emergency medical personnel.
For more information, visit the CDC's web page of Frequently Asked Questions about extreme heat.
And may the peace of the Lord be always with you.