Patient Information

Hot Weather Health Tips

Summer in the Carolinas is a time for outdoor fun, but can also be dangerous. Each year about 300 people die in the United States from extreme heat, more people than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes combined. Experts say these are the best ways to endure humidity and avoid the danger of heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

  • Observe reasonable precautions
  • Recognize the symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion
  • Apply appropriate treatment, should the symptoms occur

Observe These Precautions

  1. Pace yourself: for work or recreation in the sun, be sure to take frequent breaks to drink fluids and cool off out of the heat.
  2. Take it easy: put off strenuous activities that can wait until weather cools.
  3. Stay cool: use air-conditioning, if it's available; if it's not available, take cool baths, showers, or sponge baths and temporarily inhabit dry basement spaces, which can be 10-15 degrees cooler.
  4. Eat lighter meals: avoid use of your stove by eating more salads, fresh vegetables and fruit.
  5. Dress appropriately: wear light-colored, lightweight cotton clothing, which readily releases perspiration and reflects heat. Cotton absorbs perspiration better and thus cools better than synthetics.
  6. Drink fluids: drink plenty of cool, non-alcoholic beverages (water is best), especially when you're outdoors, to keep the body's cooling system operating efficiently; avoid alcohol, which can induce dehydration.
  7. Stay in the shade: if possible, perform work or strenuous recreational activities outdoors in the morning or early evening, when the sun's heat is less intense; avoid sun burn and ultraviolet light poisoning.
  8. Carry water: when you're away from home, keep water in non-breakable bottles with you to easily replenish fluids lost to perspiration.
  9. Look after the very young and the aged: babies and older adults are more susceptible to heat induced illness; check on them regularly, call your local health department for instructions if you are unsure.

DO NOT IGNORE HEAT RELATED WARNINGS.

Recognize the Symptoms

Heat Exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fainting

Heat Stroke

  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees)
  • Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
  • Rapid strong pulse
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Unconsciousness

Treatment

Heat Stroke

The symptoms above could indicate a life-threatening emergency. First, call for immediate medical assistance, then:

  • Get the victim to a shady area.
  • Cool the victim rapidly, using whatever methods are available, including applying ice packs on neck, and face, and armpits: immersing in cool water, or using a garden hose.
  • Monitor the body temperature; continue cooling efforts.
  • If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call a hospital emergency room for instructions.
  • Do not give the victim water to drink; do not give the victim any alcohol.
  • Get Medical assistance as soon as possible.

Heat Exhaustion

Although this is not as serious as heat stroke, seek medical help for severe cases.

  • Move the victim to a cooler environment.
  • Loosen clothing.
  • Drink water.
  • Spray yourself with cool water or use a fan.
  • Get Medical assistance as soon as possible.

Anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, and some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on infants and young children, people aged 65 or older, people who have a mental illness, those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure. Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care, but may help you recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you remain safe and healthy.

Source: State Department of Health, CDC and the American Heart Association

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