Protect Yourself During The Heat Wave
By 250 News
Friday, July 13, 2007 04:15 AM
Enjoying the beautiful sunshine sometimes make it easy to forget the health dangers that could over-shadow a perfect day.
Marilyn Clark, with Northern Health's Public Health Nursing, says "The symptoms of heat-related conditions vary for everybody, no matter what the age, from mild to severe."
Clark says those highest at risk for heat-related illnesses are the very young (infants and children up to 4) and the elderly (65 years and older), but she says young people can put themselves at risk, depending on their exposure to the sun.
The list of symptoms is extensive:
- pale, cool, moist or heavy sweating
- muscle cramps
- rash
- swelling
- fatigue, weakness
- dizziness, fainting, headaches
- nausea or vomiting
- fever (because the core body temperature may rise)
- confusion, decreased mental alertness
- red, hot dry skin in the late stages of heat stroke
- shortness of breath
The Public Health spokesperson says “Heat swelling, heat fainting and heat exhaustion can become a life-threatening medical condition, so it’s very important that you reduce the risks that would put you in these kinds of situations.”
Clark cautions:
- Never leave children alone in a parked car. Temperatures rise up to 51-degrees Celsius within 20-minutes in a closed vehicle if the temp outside is 33-degrees. Keeping the window open a crack will not keep the vehicle at a safe temperature.
- Drink plenty of fluids – water especially. Do not drink large amounts of alcohol, caffeine, sugar (ie. Pop) because these can cause you to lose more fluids than water
- Do not wait until you’re thirsty to drink fluids. Drink lots around the clock. Make sure that you’re sipping on cold fluids to keep your hydration up
- Avoid sunburn. Always use sunscreen. At least an SPF 15 for adults and 30 for children
- Keep cool and stay indoors, especially during the peak hours of 11am until 3pm
- wear light-coloured, loose clothing to keep cool
- Sunglasses are important, as well. You need a minimum of 90-percent protection from the UVA and 95-percent from the UVB rays
Clark says the precautions for those working outdoors are no more than anyone else. "Everybody should be cautious." But she adds, "Drink plenty of fluids, rest in a cooler environment, wear light-weight clothing.”
If you develop heat-related symptoms and they persist longer than an hour, or change, or worsen, Clark advises to seek medical attention.
Previous Story - Next Story
Email
Print
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Del.icio.usReturn to Home
Posted by: heidi1555 on July 13 2007 11:44 AM
For crying out loud its summer!
Its not like we haven't had hot days in the past!!