Heat Precautions and Stay Cool Tips

 

• Stay in the shade and drink plenty of water.
• On extremely hot days stay in an air-conditioned area
• Pull the shades over the windows and use fans to cool the rooms
• Limit the use of stoves and ovens to keep rooms cooler
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes, hats and sunscreen
• Avoid heavily sweetened or caffeinated drinks
• Check on children often when playing outside
• Never leave anyone in closed, hot vehicles for any period of time
• Check with your doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs

Heat stroke and exhaustion occur when the body’s temperature is highly elevated. In high heat and high humidity, the body is not always able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature raises causing changes to the nervous system. The most at risk include infants, elderly, athletes and individuals who work outside under the sun.

 

Symptoms of Heat Stroke

 

• High body temperature
• Absence of sweating, with hot red or flushed dry skin
• Rapid pulse
• Difficulty breathing
• Hallucinations
• Confusion and disorientation
• Agitation
• Seizures and/or coma

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

 

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Headache
• Muscle cramps and aches
• Dizziness

At the first sign of heat stroke or exhaustion, move to a cooler place, rest, then slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if conditions do not improve. The best defense is prevention. Stay cool, drink plenty of fluids, wear lighter clothing and monitor outdoor activities. These are all keys in staying healthy in hot weather.

 

For more information visit www.uhs.net.