Beat the Summer Heat
Summer heat can be more than uncomfortable; it can threaten your health, especially for older adults and children. Hot and humid weather can make it more challenging for your body to cool down, leading to heat-related illnesses.
If left untreated, heat-related illnesses can become life-threatening. In fact, heat-related deaths have been on the rise in the United States. Exposure to abnormal or prolonged heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluids can cause various heat-related illnesses. Here are some common types of illnesses to keep an eye out for this summer:
- Heat cramps are a mild form of heat illness consisting of painful muscle cramps and spasms. These occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat, so moving to a cool place to rest and stretch cramped muscles is important.
- Heat exhaustion occurs when a person cannot sweat enough to cool the body, usually due to not drinking enough fluids during hot weather. A person suffering from heat exhaustion must move to a cool place and drink plenty of water.
- Heatstroke occurs when your body temperature reaches 104 F or higher within minutes. The person may also become confused or lose consciousness. The condition is the result of untreated heat exhaustion and a serious medical emergency that must be treated quickly by a professional.
Don’t let the summer heat get the best of you. Consider these tips to prevent heat-related illness:
- Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages (e.g., coffee, tea and soda) that can lead to dehydration.
- Eat light, refreshing foods.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Do chores or other outdoor activities in the morning or evening.
- Stay indoors as much as possible or take breaks from being outside.
Remembering these tips can help you beat the heat. Contact a doctor if heat-related symptoms don’t improve within an hour and seek immediate medical attention if you or someone you know has heatstroke.
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