As the temperatures are finally heating up, many of us will be staying indoors as much as possible. But there are times when you need to be outside for events and activities. Excessive heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Here are the different symptoms you should look for and a few ways to help prevent each one.
Dehydration: It happens when you aren’t getting enough fluids. That can lead to your body not functioning properly which can cause both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Thirst is often the first sign of dehydration. Others are: headache, fatigue, dry or sticky mouth, not urinating much, dark yellow urine, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, chills, flushed skin and lack of sweating. Severe signs are: dizziness, rapid heartrate, rapid breathing, fainting, sleepiness or lack of energy.
Ways to Prevent dehydration: Drink plenty of water! Duh! Do it before you’re actually thirsty. When firefighters are called for a run on a hot summer day, they begin drinking bottles of water before they get to the scene. People who are outside a lot should drink 8oz of water at least every half hour. Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as iced coffee, soda, energy drinks and iced tea. Caffeine is actually dehydrating! Instead choose plain or sparkling water or infused with fresh fruit like cucumber or lemon., electrolyte replacement drinks may be helpful for long stretches of outdoor activity.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Caused by your body’s loss of water and salt. Usually from a lot of sweating, especially in hot conditions. It is an early stage of heat stroke. People who are at increased risk include: older adults, children, people overweight, or have heart conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease. Certain medications can also put you at risk.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion: Overly tired or weak, nausea, headache, cool, clammy skin that appears flushed or pale, high body temperature, heavy sweating. If a person doesn’t get better or symptoms get worse, seek medical attention immediately.
Heat Stroke: When the body can no longer cool down properly. This can cause the body temperature to rise to 106 degrees F rapidly. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if emergency treatment isn’t given.
Symptoms of Heat Stroke: When a person has heat stroke, they may stop sweating, get what feels like chills although their body temp is higher. Other symptoms: confusion or slurred speech, loss of Consciousness, hot, dry skin, seizures, extremely high body temp. (above 104 degrees F), rapid pulse and heart rate. If you see someone with these symptoms, call 911 right away. In the meantime, move the person to a shaded area, remove outer clothing. Cool them quickly with cold water on the skin or by soaking clothes in cool water. OR If possible, move them into an air conditioned room.
When is a heat illness an emergency? Heat exhaustion usually is not an emergency if you can cool them down within 30 minutes. Get them into a cool environment and drink fluids.
However, if signs of heat stroke as listed above, don’t ask them if it is okay to call for help, just do it…YOU call 911 and try to get them out of the heat and into an air conditioned room or at least a cooler environment.
PS: Tanglewood residents, if you are in Tanglewood, outside, but near the Clubhouse or Activity center, and feel the need to get into a cooler environment. Go inside one of those buildings. There are water fountains in the clubhouse and possibly water inside the activity center refrigerator. Lay down on the cool floor, feet elevated. Take a friend or tell someone where you’re going and why so they can check on you. The Pickleball small she also has a water fountain inside and the door is always open. Please be safe and sensible.
