With summer in full swing, you and your family might be out enjoying a day at the pool or planning a trip before the new school year starts but your plans should also include checking the heat index. Long hot summer days often bring sweltering temperatures which can have dangerous effects.
When temperatures soar, it’s important to take precautions to prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Also, be sure to check on pets, children, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning. Under no circumstances should you ever leave a pet or child unattended in a hot car.
The best advice for protecting yourself from the summer sun and heat would be to stay indoors or avoid being outside in the middle of the day. Work to complete tasks in the morning or evenings. If you work outside or must absolutely be outdoors when a heat advisory is in place try taking breaks whenever possible and have someone with you to look out for signs of heatstroke. Be sure to stay hydrated and wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. If you start to feel ill, take a break, and evaluate your symptoms.
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Signs of heat exhaustion include cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion. If you or someone you are beginning to exhibit these symptoms move them to a cooler place and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin and water.
HEATSTROKE
Heatstroke is similar to heat exhaustion but it can be life-threatening. Signs include hot, red skin which may be dry or moist; changes in consciousness; vomiting and high body temperature. Call 9-1-1 immediately if someone shows signs of heatstroke. Move the person to a cooler place and try covering the person with cold, wet towels or bags of ice.
Even when the temperature is less severe, spending time in the sun still requires precautions. Sunburns and excessive time in the sun can cause extensive damage to your skin cells and even cause cancer. When you and your family are planning to spend time outside, use sunscreen and check the labels – make sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection. This means you will be protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, look for coverage that is water-resistant. Wearing a hat with a brim of at least 2 to 3 inches can protect your ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp, and finally wear sunglasses that block UV rays. Research has shown that long hours in the sun without protecting your eyes increase your chances of developing certain eye diseases.
Let’s not forget that for many of us, pets are family too and even they need some extra attention on hot days. Bring your pets inside on excessive heat day; be sure they have plenty of cool fresh water, never leave them unattended in a hot car, and avoid shaves or close trims this time of year. Your pet’s fur actually helps keep them from overheating
To learn more about summer safety make an appointment at Rodgers Health by calling 816-307-0152 or request an appointment online!
