Health Articles

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HOT WEATHER TIPS

Heat Stress-Excess heat can place abnormal stress on your body. Temperature, humidity, radiant heat and air velocity affect the amount of heat stress you face.

Your exposure can be intensified by age, weight, fitness, medical condition and acclimatization to the heat.

Your body reacts to heat by circulating blood and raising your skin's temperature. The excess heat is then released through the skin. Physical activity can limit the amount of blood that flows to the skin to release heat.

Sweating can also maintain a stable body temperature if the humidity level is low enough to permit evaporation and if the fluids and salts you lose are adequately replaced.

When your body cannot release heat, it stores it. This raises your core temperature and heart rate putting your health at risk.

Heat cramps often occur in tired muscles when a person drinks large quantities of water but fails to replace the body's salt. To relieve cramps drink sports beverages. DO NOT TAKE SALT TABLETS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR PHYSICIAN.

Heat exhaustion develops when a person fails to replace fluids and salt that are lost through sweating. An individual may experience extreme weakness, fatigue, giddiness, nausea or a headache.

Other symptoms may include clammy or moist skin, a pale or flushed complexion and a normal or slightly higher body temperature. If heat exhaustion happens, rest in a cool place and drink sports beverages.

If vomiting or unconsciousness occur, call a doctor immediately.

The signs of heat stroke include:
· Mental confusion, delirium, chills, dizziness, loss of consciousness, convulsions or coma.
· A body temperature of 105 °F or higher.
· Hot, dry skin that may be red, mottled or bluish.
· A strong fast pulse.

If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call an ambulance immediately. Until medical help arrives, move the victim from the heat and into a cool place. Soak his or her clothes with water and use a fan or ice packs.

Protect yourself from heat stress
· Spend as much time as you can in cool surroundings. Use fans and air conditioners to cool your home.
· Slow down and take it easy. Physical activity produces extra body heat.
· Wear light-weight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing. Cotton is a light, airy fabric.
· Wear a hat or use an umbrella to protect your head and neck when you are outdoors.
· Drink plenty of water. Don't wait until you are thirsty. By then, you may already be dehydrated.
· Watch what you eat. Avoid eating hot foods or heavy meals. Use your stove as little as possible and cook during the coolest part of the day.
· Take cool baths or showers. Cool water can remove body heat 25 times faster than cool air.
· Avoid drinking alcohol.

Final thought: Don't leave children, older persons or pets alone in a car!