Heat Safety

7/10/2017 (Permalink)

DO YOU KNOW THE DANGERS THAT HOT SUMMER DAYS CAN BRING?

With hot summer weather comes potential health dangers in the form of heat related illnesses. In this post we will cover the illnesses, how to avoid them, and how to treat or seek treatment if you can’t avoid them.

Heat Related Illnesses

The heat related illnesses we are covering today are heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and heat stroke. All three of these illnesses are a result of your body overheating due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. High activity levels while exposed to high temperatures can escalate heat related illnesses or cause them to occur more rapidly. Those at the highest risk of heat related illnesses are the elderly, the young, persons taking certain medicines, persons whom are chronically ill, and those who work outdoors during high temperatures.

Signs of Heat Related Illnesses

Signs of heat cramps include but are not limited to; severe cramps in the hands, calves or feet.

Signs of heat exhaustion include but are not limited to; increased feeling of being tired, headaches, nausea, increased feeling of being excessively thirsty, muscle cramps and weakness, and dizziness.

Signs of heat stroke include but are not limited to; headache, dizziness, increased feeling of being tired, increase in heart rate, dizziness, decrease in urination, decrease in sweating, and increase in body temperature.

How to Avoid Heat Related Illnesses

Ways to avoid heat related illnesses include but are not limited to; drinking plenty of fluids, staying out of the sun and finding shade, limiting outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (between 10 a.m. and 4p.m.), and wearing light-colored clothing.

How to Treat Heat Related Illnesses

Ways to treat heat related illnesses include but are not limited to; re-hydrating with water or sports drinks, getting into shade or air conditioning, and applying a cool damp towel to the back of your neck. Keep in mind heat exhaustion needs to be treated immediately as it can be severe. Also heat stroke is life threatening and needs to be treated by personnel trained in emergency medical situations.