Summer is in full swing here in California, and many parts of the state are feeling the heat. While for some this is a nice change of pace from the cold of winter, for others this is just another extreme to be dealt with. Just like the cold, the heat can become harmful and even deadly. That is why people need to take the proper steps to ensure their health and well-being this summer.
When the weather grows indescribably hot, there are several things a person should do to keep cool. At excessive temperatures, keeping cool isn’t just about comfort, it is about staying healthy. At high temperatures, a person can suffer from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. Both can be very serious conditions, have their own unique symptoms, and require their own responses to keep the person suffering from them safe. The following information comes from the National Weather Service’s website.
In addition, heat cramps could be a warning sign of these illnesses starting to take effect in the person. If a person has been in hot weather and is suffering from cramps, usually in their legs or abdomen, they should:
- Apply firm pressure to the cramping muscle.
- Massage the muscle.
- Sip on water so long as the person isn’t nauseous.
Feeling Tired from the Heat?
Spending too much time in the sun, or even just a warm area, can cause a person to suffer from heat exhaustion. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, they will experience the following symptoms:
- Cool, pale, clammy skin.
- Dizziness.
- Fainting.
- Fast, weak pulse.
- Heavy sweating.
- Muscle cramps.
- Nausea, vomiting.
- Weakness.
If a person is suffering these symptoms, they should get to a cooler area as soon as possible. They should loosen, or if possible, remove clothing to help cool off. If the person is conscious, give them sips of water. Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible.
If the person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
The Signs of Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is another, more serious heat related condition. The symptoms of heat stroke include:
- Altered mental state.
- Body temperature over 103 degrees.
- Confusion.
- Dizziness.
- Faints.
- Hot, red, dry, or moist skin.
- Nausea.
- Rapid, strong pulse.
- Shallow breathing.
- Throbbing headache.
If a person exhibits these symptoms, contact 911 or get them to a hospitable immediately. If waiting for emergency services, move the person into a cooler area, preferably with air conditioning. Apply cool, wet cloths to as much as the body as possible or put them in a cool bath. Fan them only if the air temperature is under 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do not give the person fluids.
Stay Cool This Summer
During the warm summer months, it is important for person to keep cool, not just to remain comfortable, but to remain in good health as well. Not only does a person need to keep an eye on themselves during these warm times, but they need to watch out for those who can’t take care of themselves or those who are more susceptible to heat such as young children and the elderly. Doing so could keep them safe this summer.
It is also important to remember to stay hydrated when in hot weather. The human body uses water, in the form of sweat, to help regulate the body’s temperature. Without enough water, the body can begin to suffer from one of these illnesses.