Beat the Summer Heat!

 

When summer is here, its fun in the sun time. When you’re young there is no plan other than to have fun but now that we are older, taking measures to protect yourself against the strong sunrays is no different from planning to take an umbrella when you know it might rain.   

Every year there is an increase in summer-heat related illness such as dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, most commonly effecting children, the weak and the elderly.  Emergency rooms across the country has reported increases in heat related deaths but adds that education is the key to its' prevention.              

Before you go outdoors remember these few points:

1. Always try to drink more water.  Carry a liter of water with you and make sure you finish it within an hour or two during the peak sunny hours.
2. Drink plenty of liquids the day before an athletic event.
3. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol – these fluids dehydrate the body rather than hydrate like water and sports drinks
4. Avoid carbonated beverages, which can cause bloating and keep people from drinking enough fluid to rehydrate.
5. Wear light colored, absorbent, loose fitting clothing
6. Try to wear a hat if you know you will be in direct sunlight otherwise don’t wear a hat because it increases heat on your head.
7. Carry wet toilettes in a zip lock baggy to wipe your neck and ears.
8. Stay in cool, shaded areas when possible, protect your skin with sun block

The symptoms of dehydration include:

1. Dry lips and tongue
2. Apathy and lack of energy
3. Muscle cramping
4. Bright-colored or dark urine

 If left untreated dehydration can escalate to heat exhaustion or heat stroke that can be deadly.  The main symptoms for these include:

 

1. Fatigue
2. Dizziness
3. Nausea or vomiting
4. Headache
5. Rapid and shallow breathing
6. High temperature
7. Rapid heart beat
8. Decreased alertness