Summer is here, folks!
Be careful of Heat Exhaustion!
Be careful!
Heat. I prefer
winter, spring, fall… I do not like the heat.
However, summer has arrived. If
you live in the Southwest, USA- you know heat. We have already had a week of 110 F
temps. If you are new to the area- you
will be greeting true heat in the coming weeks. We have temps predicted at 110F and 112F
coming up. People in parts of AZ might
be seeing 118F. We are predicted to have
record breaking temps in this coming week- and it’s not even July. Who knows what July will bring!
For many, the luxury of sitting in air conditioning all day is
not an option. Even if it is for you, at some point you will have to get out
and be exposed to the heat and I would just like to convey a simple warning! Be
Careful!
Water, Water, Water. Liquids, liquids, and more liquids (although, avoid
alcohol and caffeine).
Heat Exhaustion is nothing to laugh at. Heat Stroke- what
comes after heat exhaustion is serious and dangerous!
Heat exhaustion occurs after repeated exposure to high temps
and you have become dehydrated. When dehydrated - your body temp goes up and
your body cannot maintain its regulated core temperature (Your body temp goes up
like you are running a fever.) It is a
heat related illness that has symptoms such as: dizziness, fainting, fatigue, pale clammy skin, weak but rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps,
heavy sweating, nausea, headache, rapid pulse, higher body temp, etc.
Left without taking steps to help your body during heat
exhaustion- your organs begin to shut down, and that is when it becomes heat
stroke- which is very dangerous! If your
body core temperature reaches higher than 104F you risk damage to your brain
and vital organs- which is what heat stroke does.
If you start feeling heat exhaustion, take it seriously! Stop activity and rest. Get to a cooler place.
Take a cool water shower, or bath, or sponge bath. If you can’t get to a
restroom and splash cool water on your face, and let cool water flow over your
hands and wrists for a minute. Drink fluids. Do not do heavy physical labor or
exercising. Loosen your clothes – tight clothes can trap more heat.
Heat can affect anyone, any age. So watch the kids too! It is particularly dangerous for children under 4, and adults over 65; however, it can effect anyone! Heat related illnesses are felt by all when record breaking temps arrive!
I am not a doctor, but I have in my lifetime seen the
effects of heat stroke on people I care for; and it is not a pleasant thing.
Heat exhaustion, once fully suffered, takes a week or more to recover from.
Heat stroke on the other hand- can leave damaging effects permanently (Like
people unable to further tolerate heat at all.)
Mainly, be careful! Liquids,
liquids, and more liquids! If you think
you are in need of a doctor- go!
Summer is a time for fun! Enjoy as much of it as you can! The Season brings ups and downs in the temperatures; please just use extra caution when the temps reach their highest peaks!
Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, this is not to be used as medical advice. This is intended for informational purposes only and written as friendly advice. If you are suffering heat exhaustion or heat stroke, please seek proper medical care!
Sources used for reference:
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