Summer is finally here! The bright sunshine & warmer temperatures boosts not only our spirits but our energy levels and we need to control our enthusiasm as the temperature rises.
Heat cramps, heat exhaustion, & heat stroke are all problems that occur when the body cannot cool itself properly. Age (elderly & infants), people who work outdoors, and some medications are factors that make us more susceptible to heat stroke.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps occur during or after vigorous exercise in extreme heat. Cramps can occur in the muscles of the legs, arms, or abdomen. Sweating causes the body to lose salts and fluids; the low level of salts causes the muscles to cramp.
Heat exhaustion
Heat exhaustion can happen when the body is exposed to prolonged heat or extreme temperatures. The body will try to cool itself by bringing more blood to the surface; although this cools the body, it also means the heart must pump harder. People with cardiac trouble and the elderly are vulnerable to heart attack even before heat stroke sets in.
Pale with cool, clammy, moist skin
Profuse sweating
Headache, Faintness, or fainting
Rapid heart beat
Higher body temperature than normal
Thirst & dehydration
Fatigue & weakness
Nausea and/or vomiting
Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
Irritability
Heat stroke
Heat stroke and is a life-threatening emergency. It occurs when the body cannot regulate its own temperature. Brain damage or even death can occur.
Temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.6 degrees Celsius) or higher
Keep Hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids all day, before you are thirsty. Tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol increase your need for fluids as they dehydrate. Avoid them or increase fluids to compensate.
Allow your body to adjust to the higher temperatures gradually. Slowly increase time spent outdoors gradually to get your body used to the heat, begin with cooler parts of the day such as early mornings or evenings.
Try to schedule vigorous activities to cooler parts of the day.
Try to spend as much time indoors as possible on very hot and humid days.
Signs to Look For
Stay aware of temperatures, external & internal
Monitor any skin changes, colour & humidity
Pay attention to any changes in perspiration, any increase, decrease or if a person has stopped sweating
Watch for any swelling, especially of the fingers and feet and ankles
Be aware of signs of heat rash.
How is heat illness treated?
Bring the body temperature down
Get out of the heat-shade or indoors
Remove clothing and or loosen clothing
Bathe in cool (not cold) water.
Gently apply cool water to the skin, and fan skin
Apply ice packs or anything cold to the groin and armpits, as this will help lower body temperature quickly.
Hydrate: Drink fluids, Intravenous fluids may be necessary
Elevate the feet
Call your doctor for further advice.
Hopefully with a few precautions, we can enjoy the warm weather safely.
