Summer temperatures are once again soaring across the globe. Last year, hundreds of people died across North America because of extreme heat, and many others were hospitalized with heatstroke and other heat-related injuries.
Heatstroke is a dangerous condition and is caused by your body overheating. It often coincides with dehydration.
SIGNS OF HEATSTROKE
- High body temperature of 104F (40 C) or greater
- Altered mental state of behavior
- Nausea/vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Flushed skin
- Racing heart rate
- Headache
If you see someone experiencing any of these symptoms, Call 911 and then get them to a shaded place or inside a building, remove excess clothing, and apply ice packs or cool water to their skin to reduce their body temperature.
Although we can’t control Mother Nature, there are things we can do to stay safe and enjoy the summer.
7 WAYS TO BEAT THE HEAT.
- Dress in loose clothing, preferably cotton.
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water, occasional electrolyte drinks, and foods with high water content, such as cucumbers, melons, and green peppers.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol as diuretics; they flush water from your body.
- Leave strenuous work for cooler days or at least work in the morning and evening hours when temperatures are lower.
- Apply damp, cool rags or ice packs to the trigger points: neck, lower back, wrists, temples, and behind the knees to reduce your temperature quickly.
- Avoid sunburns, as this can alter your body’s ability to regulate its temperature.
- Whenever possible, get acclimated to warmer temperatures gradually.
A little planning can make all the difference when you are heading outside. Remember these tips, and you will have a fantastic summer full of great memories to keep you warm next winter.
