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Summer Is Here, Beat the Heat

Published:

Summer is upon us and the scorching heat can be deadly, but there are many ways to stay cool and avoid heat exhaustion– prevention is the key!

Here are tips to avoid heat exhaustion and some ways to stay cool!

What is heat exhaustion?

There are two types of heat exhaustion:

1. Water Depletion. Symptoms include:
  • Thirst
  • Weakness
  • Headaches
  • Loss of consciousness
2. Salt Depletion.  Symptoms include:
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Dizziness

 

*Heat exhaustion can quickly turn into a heat stroke.  This is very dangerous.  Heat strokes can cause permanent braindamage.

General Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:

  • Confusion
  • Fainting
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Muscle cramps
  • Nausea
  • Pale Skin
  • Profuse Sweating
  • Rapid Heartbeat

Treatment:

  • Drink plenty of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Remove any tight or unnecessary clothing.
  • Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath.
  • Apply other cooling measures such as fans or ice towels.
  • If cooling measures fail to provide relief, seek medical attention immediately.

Risk Factors:

  • Relative humidity over 60%
  • Temperatures 90 degrees or above.
  • Age: under 4 and over 65 are at the highest risk.
  • Medications: diuretics, sedatives, tranquilizers, stimulants, heart and blood pressure medications

Prevent:

  • Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunscreen.
  • Drink extra water, juice and gatorade.

Tips: 

Keep a towel in your cooler or icebox and place it around your neck.
Try Frogg Toggs

Drivers, what are your stay cool tips?

 

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