Summer Heat Safety

Copyright © Jacques Girard, Ph.D.
http://www.payitforward4profits.com/spirou


ArcaMax Publishing > Weather

Since before the end of June, the weather in the south-western U.S. has been quite sunny and warm. The week of July 4th turned hot (it is supposed to be around 80 degrees F. at the beach and mid-to-upper 90s inland. So I feel compelled to share this excellent article with you, as heat is heat is heat is heat wherever you are – true?

Summer Heat Safety

We expect summer to be hot, so we may not think about the danger of heat waves. But heat-related problems claim more lives each year than lightning, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or earthquakes. Don't risk it this summer -- know what to look out for, how to protect yourself, and what to do just in case.

Possible Disorders by Heat Index

For those at higher risks for heat stroke, these are possible effects of continued exposure to high temperatures. The temperatures below are for heat index, and not necessarily actual temperature. Be sure to check your local weather forecast for a daily heat index.

80-90 degrees: Possible fatigue with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

90-105 degrees: Possible sunstroke, heat cramps, and heat exhaustion with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

105-130 degrees: Likely sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion; possible heat stroke with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity.

130 degrees or higher: Heatstroke or sunstroke highly likely with continued exposure.

Possible Heat Disorder Symptoms

Sunburn: Redness and pain; can include swelling, blisters, headaches, and fever in severe cases.
First Aid: For mild cases, or if blisters appear but do not break, apply ointment. If blisters break, use a dry, sterile dressing. Extreme cases should always be treated by a physician.

Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating, as well as painful cramps in the leg and abdominal muscles.
First Aid: Relieve cramping with pressure on the muscles or gentle massage. Administer sips of water; discontinue if nausea occurs.

Heat Exhaustion: Cold, clammy skin, heavy sweating, weakness, fainting, weak pulse, and vomiting. It is possible to have a normal temperature.
First Aid: Get the victim out of the sun immediately. Make sure they are lying down, loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet cloths. As soon as possible, move to an air conditioned room. Administer sips of water unless nausea occurs. If vomiting occurs, seek professional medical help immediately.

Heat Stroke/Sunstroke:

Temperature of 106 degrees or higher; hot, dry skin; strong, rapid pulse. Possible unconsciousness.
First Aid: Summon medical help or get the victim to the hospital immediately. In the meantime, move the victim to a cooler environment, remove their clothes, and lower their body temperature with a cold bath or sponging. Do not administer fluids.

How to Avoid Heat-Related Problems

Dress appropriately. Wear lightweight clothing to help your body maintain normal temperatures, and light colors that will reflect (rather than absorb) sunlight.

Avoid getting too much sun. Not only are sunburns uncomfortable, but they also make it more difficult for your body to dissipate heat.

Cut down on proteins and salty food. They increase your metabolism, which also increases water loss.

Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverage. Make sure to keep rehydrating constantly, even if you don't feel thirsty. (If you have any sort of medical condition, consult your physician before any dramatic change in your fluid intake.)

Avoid alcoholic beverages. A high alcohol intake can dehydrate you very quickly.

Make use of air conditioning. Stay near one as much as possible each day. If you don't have or can't afford one, try to find a building that does and spend some time there whenever you can.

Take it easy. Limit any strenuous activities to the coolest place possible, or during the coolest part of the day. If possible, they should be eliminated wherever possible.



This news arrived on: 06/12/2006 Stay cool!

Jacques
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