It’s So Hot, You Gotta Watch Out for Heatstroke, Everybody

The National Weather service has issued a severe heat warning until Thursday night for our area.  As you know, that means you gotta be careful, or you could get very sick very quickly. Slow down, take frequent breaks to rest in the shade, drink plenty of water – not only while in the heat, but also before going outside for work or play and find an air conditioned place to cool off for at least part of the day. 

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The heat stress has a collective impact upon the body.  Those with chronic health problems need to be extra careful as the heat wave stretches through the week.  Check on neighbors and family members who may not have air conditioning at home.  Elderly individuals may feel cold and wear a sweater when in reality their body temperature is rising to a dangerous level.

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Yeah, but how do you KNOW if someone is actually dealing with heat exhaustion, or if they're just, you know, hot?   Here are the signs.

• heavy sweating
• pale and clammy skin
• fast, yet weak pulse
• nausea or vomiting
• muscle cramps
• tiredness or weakness
• dizziness
• headache
• fainting

If you feel these symptoms, move to a cool place, loosen tight clothing, take a cool bath/shower or use some cool, wet cloths and sip water.   Seek medical care if you are throwing up, the symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.  Heat stroke is a medical emergency.  So if you even suspect it, call 911.  While waiting for EMS, move the person to a cool place and apply cool clothes.  Do not give person anything to drink, particularly is the person is not alert.

Hopefully it never happens, and this is just to inform you.  But please, be safe out there in this heat.

Coolingly yours,
Behka