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By S.D.L.
Is the Heat Getting to You?
Just this last week, I heard of several incidences of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. So with the temperatures and humidity soaring, I am reminded of the importance of keeping yourself hydrated. As refreshing as it may seem, I’m not talking about a few cold cervezas! When body heat increases, the body removes it through the skin…you guessed it, sweating. No surprise there. However, when the humidity is high, sweat does not evaporate as quickly and has little or no cooling effect. Putting us more at risk in a climate such as this. So what’s the difference between the two conditions?
Heat Exhaustion
It’s caused by a reduction of fluid in the body. There is less blood flow to vital organs because your body is trying to compensate by increasing blood flow to the skin to cool the body.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Body temp can be normal or slightly elevated
- Cool, moist, pale or red skin
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness and weakness-Exhaustion
Treatment:
If you catch it early enough it can be reversed:
- Get to a cool or shady place-Get something cool to drink, like water and drink slowly
- Remove sweat soaked clothing (within reason!)-Put cool water on the skin and if possible fan it in order to increase evaporation
- Rest and avoid strenuous activities
*If left untreated heat exhaustion can result into a more serious, life threatening condition…
Heat Stroke
When the body cannot cool itself and gradually stops working heat stroke is setting in. Sweating stops because of major loss of fluids in body tissues. Coma and death can result if left untreated.
Signs & Symptoms:
- High body temperature (up to 41C/106F)
- Red, hot, dry skin
- Irritable, sometimes aggressive behavior
- Can go unconscious
- Rapid, weak pulse
- Rapid, shallow breathing
Treatment:
- If unconscious call for help immediately
- Cool the body any way you can
- Sponge body with cool water (placing in cool water may not be a good idea if they go unconscious)
- Use ice packs or cold cloths in the groin area, armpits and back of the neck
- If they start to vomit you can put them on their side to keep the airway open
- Be prepared to do rescue breathing and/or CPR
Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke are completely preventable!
Prevention:
- Avoid being out in the hottest part of the day. If you have to be out try to plan to do things early and late in the day. There might be something to siesta hours!
- Slow down and work or exercise for briefer periods. I’m all for that.
- Take frequent brakes in cool or shaded areas to let your body cool. Swimming is great for this.
- Dress for the heat in cool, natural fiber. Wear a hat.
- Your body needs 6 to 8 glasses of water a day without even taking heat into consideration! Drink plenty of fluids like water, Gatorade, pedialite…avoid excess caffeine and alcohol which are dehydrating.
Don’t forget your pets! Sometimes they may not know their own limits so it’s up to us to help them out!
- Never leave your pet in the car for long periods. Even with the windows open, your car is about 10 degrees hotter than the temp outside.
- Give plenty of water
- Exercise them early in the morning or late in the day if possible
- Similar symptoms apply to animals like if they stop drinking water, are throwing up it’s time to bring them to the vet.
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