Summer is quickly approaching, making way for many outdoor activities such as lounging at the beach or enjoying a family picnic in the park. Summertime activities are fun, but too much exposure to heat and sun can be dangerous. Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable, but it kills more people than any other natural weather disaster combined. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and how it can be prevented.
What is Heat Stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious form of heat-related illness and it is a medical emergency. It occurs when your body cannot control it’s temperature. This result is from prolonged exposure of high heat. Without medical attention, heat stroke can lead to death or permanent disability.
Warnings Signs and Symptoms:
- High body temperature (above 103°F)
- Hot, red, dry or moist skin
- Rapid and strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Possible unconsciousness
What you should do:
- Call 911 immediately
- Move the person to a cooler environment
- Reduce the person’s body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
- Do NOT give fluids
What is Heat Exhaustion?
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that develops when exposed to high temperatures, usually accompanied by dehydration.
Warning Signs and Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Dark urine
- Cold, pale, or clammy skin
- Fast and weak pulse
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fainting
What you should do:
- Move to a cool location
- Lie down and loosen clothing
- Apply cool, wet cloths to your body
- Sip water
- If vomiting continues, seek medical attention immediately
How You Can Prevent Heat-Related Illness
- Monitor older adults (65 years and older), infants and children. They are more prone to heat stress.
- Drink plenty of cool, nonalcoholic fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose fitting clothing. When outdoors, wear a hat, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (30 minutes prior to sun exposure).
- If you exercise, drink 2-4 glasses of fluids each hour. Sports drinks can replace salt and minerals lost in sweat.
- Do NOT leave children in cars, even if the windows are cracked. Anyone left inside a car is at risk of heat-related illness or death.
- Stay in an air-conditioning area during the hottest hours of the day.
- Seek shade whenever possible.
- Don’t forget about your furry friends! Make sure to give your pets plenty of water and access to shade.
Source: CDC
