GUIDELINES TO HELP `BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT`
Marc Summers
08-03-2010
During the extreme heat people should drink plenty of water, stay in an air-conditioned room and keep out of the sun as much as possible - if you have to be outdoors be sure to wear loose-fitting, light colored clothing, along with sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
Also remember to check on the elderly, and ensure that pets have plenty of fresh water to drink and a shady place to cool off.
Heat related illness occurs when the body`s temperature control system is overloaded - the Alabama Department of Public Health cautions everyone to be alert to the warnings that may signal help is needed.
HEAT STROKE - sometimes called sunstroke, is the most serious heat-related illness; it occures when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The Body`s temp rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down - body temperatures may rise to 106 - or higher - within 10 to 15 minutes and heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
WARNING SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE VARY BUT INCLUDE - An extremely high body temperature (above 103); Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating); Rapid, strong pulse; Throbbing Headache; Dizziness; Nausea; Confusion; Unconsciousness.
You should get the person to a shady area, cool rapidly in a tub of cool water, place in a cool showers, spray with cool water from a garden hose, splash with cool water - or - if humidity is low, place in a cool, wet sheet and fan vigorously. Monitor body temps and continue cooling efforts until the person`s body temperature drops to between 101 and 102; if emergency medical personnel are delayed - call a hospital emergency room for further instructions.
Alabama State Health Officer, Dr. Donald Williamson, states that `Heat stroke is a life- threatening emergency and a person with heat stroke is likely to become unconscious or unresponsive, so he or she can not safely consume any liquids. Under no circumstances, should you give any alcohol to a person with heat stroke or any heat-related illness.`
FOLLOW THESE PREVENTIVE MEASURES TO AVOID HEAT ILLNESSES - Drink more fluids and avoid beverages containing alcohol or caffeine; When temperatures are extreme, stay in-doors in an air-conditioned place if possible; Take a cool shower or bath and reduce or eliminate strenuous activities; Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat - and wear light colored, loose fitting clothing; also use a sunscreen of SPF15 or higher; Never leave people or pets in a parked vehicle.
Individuals with any heart problems, poor circulation, diabetes, prior stroke or obesity are at greater risk of becoming sick in hot weather; the risk of heat-related illness, may increase among people using medications for high blood pressure, nervousness and/or depression.
For additional information visit www.adph.org
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