|
When it comes to handling the heat, our bodies are very similar to the engine of a car-we have ways
of keeping ourselves cool, such as letting heat escape through our skin and by sweating. But when the temperatures rise-we are all at risk of developing heat related illness-this is when our body temperature control systems overload and we're no longer able to cool ourselves off.
The first stage is painful heat cramps in the muscles. The next stage is heat exhaustion-which
causes heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, faintness, nausea or vomiting, headache or dizziness. In both these cases-move the person to a cooler place to rest. They should slowly drink a half glass of cool water or a sports drink every fifteen minutes. No alcohol or caffeine drinks. Also, loosen any tight clothing and apply wet clothes. The signs of late stage heat-related illness or heat stroke include vomiting, decreased alertness or even loss of consciousness, high body temperature-the victim may even stop sweating, weak pulse and fast shallow breathing.
This is a case when 9-11 should be called immediately..move the person to a cooler place, lie them
down and place cool wet clothes around their body until help arrives.
Keep in mind-certain people have a harder time handling the heat. This includes young children, the
elderly, people who are ill or overweight and men. Why men? Well, they tend to sweat more and become dehydrated more quickly than women. Here are some tips to help you cope with hot and humid days:
Tips:
Dress for the heat in lightweight, light-colored clothing, drink water even if you're NOT thirsty-but
avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, or cola-caffeine works against the body in two ways: it has a dehydrating effect on the body's cells and increases your need to use the restroom. You also want to avoid alcohol on hot humid days--the dehydrating effects of the alcohol may impair the body's ability to sweat properly and cool down, eat small meals and eat more often, slow down-avoid strenuous activity, but if you must exercise, do so in the early morning or late evening hours.
Finally-avoid the heat by staying inside air-conditioned buildings-just two hours a day in a cool
environment lowers your risk of suffering from a heat related illness. |