Know the signs of heat emergencies
As temperatures spike, so do trips to emergency rooms and the frequency of heat-related illnesses. While these illnesses can be serious and even life-threatening, there are simple ways to stay safe in scorching temperatures.
Watch for these signs:
- Heat Exhaustion: This illness may lead to heat stroke, so if you or someone else is experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention and monitor the condition closely. Symptoms include heavy sweating; cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; headache; dizziness or weakness and nausea.
- Heat Stroke: This condition can be life-threatening, and requires emergency medical care. Symptoms include high body temperature; flushed hot, dry skin with no sweating; vomiting; weak, rapid pulse; decreased alertness; changes in consciousness; disorientation; confusion; impaired thinking and shallow, rapid breathing.
During extremely hot days, there are a few DOs and DON'Ts to follow:
- Do drink water in frequent, small amounts. Try an 8-ounce glass at a time.
- Do wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothes and a hat to shade yourself.
- Do wear sunscreen with at least an SPF of 15.
- Do stay in a cool place during the hottest hours of the day, from about 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Consider visiting a mall, movie theater, library, or local cooling center - often offered in community senior centers and facilities.
- Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. By then, your body is already low on fluids.
- Don’t drink alcohol, caffeine or sugary drinks. They promote dehydration.
- Don’t take salt tablets. They will not replace water loss and can adversely affect your health.
- Don’t leave children, pets or senior citizens unattended in a car for even a few minutes. It takes just moments for cars to heat up to lethal temperatures in hot weather.