|
 |
Taking the heat: sun and hot weather safety
You're sitting poolside, soaking in the sun and polishing off a quickly melting ice cream cone. Ah, summer. Oops, you forgot the sunscreen, you aren't drinking enough water and the temperature is rising. Ouch, summer. Heat-related illness and severe sunburn are preventable, yet thousands suffer every year and hundreds will lose their lives to excessive heat exposure. It's tempting to enjoy the summer's heat, but be careful. The best advice is to limit your time in the sun, but if that's not an option, follow these tips to help prevent getting scorched. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Staying hydrated can keep your body cool. Carry bottled water with you if you'll be outdoors for an extended period of time. While you're quenching your thirst, avoid beverages with alcohol, caffeine and large amounts of sugar – these can actually cause you to lose more fluid, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Be generous with sunscreen – use SPF 15 or higher. The most effective products will be labeled with "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection." Apply it liberally about 30 minutes before going into the sun. Consult the packaging for when to reapply, but generally do so after engaging in rigorous activity, swimming or simply being out in the sun for a few hours. Wear the right clothing. When spending time outdoors, it's best to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing; don't forget a rimmed hat and sunglasses. Watch out for these other heat-related illnesses Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate temperature, sometimes rising sharply to 106 or more degrees. It can cause death or permanent disability if not treated immediately. Warning signs include:
Heat exhaustion is a milder heat-related illness and can develop a few days after heat exposure because of unbalanced fluids. Most at risk are the elderly, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising outdoors. Symptoms include:
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of these two major heat-related illnesses or even severe sunburn, heat rash or heat cramps, contact your HealthEast clinician immediately or dial 911, if necessary. Remember others While watching out for your own safety, don't forget to monitor those who are potentially at high risk for heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses. Although anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses, it's especially important to watch these groups:
|
