America is heating up, and not just from the presidential
campaigns. Temperatures across the
country are reaching to 100 degrees with heat indexes, or the “feels like”
temperatures above that. Heat-related ailments are common when this happens. US Media Studios highlights prevention steps everyone can take to have a safe
summer wherever you are.
Your Body and Heat Illnesses
Heat illnesses happen when the body can’t keep itself cool
through sweating.
Heat illnesses are strongly related to days when the
humidity level is high. High humidity hinders the body’s ability to cool
itself. On drier days, when there is
less humidity in the air, body sweat evaporates more quickly than days when the
air is heavy with moisture. If there is more moisture in the air, sweat takes
longer to evaporate, therefore, making you feel hotter.
Heat-Related Illnesses and Prevention Tips
Heat rash or prickly rash is a skin irritation caused by
excessive sweating while clothing covers the body. If this happens, move to a
shady area, and roll shirt sleeves up, roll pant legs up. Loosen clothing until
the sweat dries.
Heat cramps are muscle pain or spasms which occur during
heavy exercise in the heat. Gently massive the cramped muscle and drink plenty
of water or sports drinks with extra electrolytes and salt.
Heat exhaustion happens when the body is depleted of water
or salt. Fatigue, weakness, and nausea are common symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Get out of the heat and into an air conditioned or shady area. Use cool, damp cloths
to lessen the body temperature, if in public. At home, take a cool shower.
Drink plenty of water to rehydrate.
Heat stroke is the most serious of heat-related illnesses.
It is life-threatening. There are two kinds:
Classic – Develops slowly over a few days after repeated
exposure to hot, humid weather. It is non-exertional. Small children and the
elderly are most affected by it.
Exertional – Happens faster, usually in hours and affects
healthy, active people such as those who work outdoors like construction
workers and athletes.
The body temp rises above 105 degrees and the person may or
may not be sweating. Confusion, severe headache, rapid pulse and possibly loss
of consciousness are common symptoms.
Move the person to a cooler area and fan air over them.
Apply ice to underarms, neck, back and groin. If possible, place the affected
person in a tub of cool water, and call 9-1-1.
Prevention is First
US Media Studios urges readers to always be aware of the
heat index in the area before making plans to be active outside. If the
temperature is high, so will the “feels like” temperature. Stay indoors where
it is cool. Venture outdoors in the morning or evening hours when the heat is
not so oppressive. Wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing when outside. Take
a hat or umbrella to keep the blazing sun from harming the head and body. Drink
water or sports drinks to stay hydrated.
Preventing heat-related illnesses should be the first step
taken.
