Summer is officially here! As we go into the warmer weather, reduce your chances of spoiling your fun by learning how to recognize and prevent the risk of heat related illnesses.Did you know that according to the National Weather Service, excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer? High temperatures causes more deaths than floods, lightning, tornadoes, hurricanes or blizzards combined.
This puts everyone at risk when it gets hotter than 90 degrees and the most vulnerable are the eldery and very young.
Do you know the signs of a heat related illness? The signs of heat exhaustion are:
* nausea
* dizziness
* flushed or pale skin
* heavy sweating
* headaches
* exhaustion
If you or someone else complains of these symptoms, the American Red Cross recommends that you move them to a cool place, give them a drink of cool water if they conscious and to place cool, wet clothes or ice packs on their skin. If the victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness call 9-1-1 immediately!
More serious is heat stroke. This is a life threatening condition. When heat stroke happens, the body stops sweating. This is not good because sweating is the body's way of cooling you down. Because you aren't sweating anymore, the body's temperature can rise very high and this can cause brain damage or even death if the body is not cooled down.
Signs of heat stroke are:
* hot, red and dry skin
* rapid, shallow breathing
* change in consciousness
* high body temperature
If someone shows the signs of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately! While you are waiting for help to come, move the person to a cooler area. Cool them down by wrapping wet sheets or towels around them and fanning them. If you can, immerse them in a cool bath.
Watch for breathing problems. Do not give anything by mouth (food or drink) if they refuse water, vomit or lose consciousness.
More Red Cross safety tips:
* dress appropriately for hot weather by wearing light weight clothes, light colors and a hat
* drink water and keep hydrated but avoid alcohol and caffeine which dehydrate
* eat smaller meals frequently instead of heavy meals
* slow down and don't do strenuous activity or do activity during coolest parts of the day (usually morning hours 4am-7am)
* stay indoors when possible
* use air conditioning in very hot temperatures if possible
* stay out of the sunshine
* NOTE: fans do not cool, they only circulate hot air!
Remember to be a good neighbor and check on the elderly or those without air conditioning.
Summer is a time for fun and taking a few simple precautions when the temperatures soar will help you to reduce your chances of getting sick.
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