Summer has brought unusually high temperatures that can pose a threat to human health. Heat related illnesses and death are preventable, yet many people regularly succumb to the extreme temperatures. When the body cannot cool itself properly illnesses from heat occur . Sweating normally cools the body, but during extreme heat that is not enough. In such cases the body temperature rises rapidly and can damage the brain or other vital organs. The following information provides tips on how to protect your health during periods of extreme heat conditions.
TIPS
1. Increase your fluid intake- approximately 2 to 4 eight ounce glasses of cool (not cold) water per hour, especially for adults over 65 years of age. (If you are on medication to control fluids in your body check with your doctor.) Don’t drink alcohol or sugar-added drinks as they actually cause you to lose more body fluids. If you drink one can/bottle of carbonated soft drink you need to drink 6-7 times as much water to make up for the impact of carbonic and phosphoric acid as well as added sugars on your body.
2. Wear light clothing. Wide-brimmed hats and loose fitting light colored clothes are a must.
3. Wear the best sunscreen you can afford. Sunburn causes a loss of body fluids, which will not allow the body to cool itself thus causing pain and skin damage which could lead to skin cancer. We must always use sunscreens but not all sunscreens are created equal. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) tested 785 sunscreens with an SPF of 15 and above and found that 84% of them provided inadequate protection from harmful sun rays or contained ingredients with safety concerns. (Information released June 19, 2007) This group recommends avoiding the ingredients, Oxybenzone,and Padimate O (a derivative of PABA, an ester formed by the condensation of 2-ethylhexanol and dimethylaminobenzoic acid). but look for ingredients like zinc oxide. UV Natural is listed as the Number One (#1) sunscreen on the EWG list of all products tested. They are described as the “safest and most effective sunscreen sold in the US/World beating nearly 800 other brands”. In any case, whatever sunscreen you do decide to use always-select SPF 30 or over, as well as those that protect against UV-A and B rays.
4. Reduce physical work or exercise if you feel your heart pound or if you have to gasp for breath. Stay in a cool area or in the shade.
5. Be Cool. Air conditioning is ideal. However, if your home is not air-conditioned at least use an electric fan. You might need to go to a shopping mall or public building that is air-conditioned. Also, a cool shower helps to cool you down.
6. Check on friends/relatives over 65 years old during a heat wave as high temperatures can cause them to become confused, or even worse unconscious. Others at risk and need watching are overweight individuals; those who are physically ill or on medications; and children.
7. Common sense is the key. Avoid hot foods and large meals. Never, ever, leave children or pets in a parked vehicle; anything could delay you from returning to your car. Make sure all children, including infants, drink plenty of liquids. Your pets too need extra water in high temperature conditions.
8. Prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke by avoiding the outdoors. If you must be outside when it is extremely hot be sure to recognize the signs of exhaustion or stroke: fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, dizziness, weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, heavy sweating or hot, red dry skin without sweat, paleness, confusion, rapid pulse and a body temperature over 103 degrees F. HEAT STROKE CAN CAUSE PERMANENT DISABILITY OR DEATH IF EMERGENCY TREATMENT IS NOT AVAILABLE.
9. Treat the symptoms of exhaustion and stroke. Take the person to an air-conditioned or shaded place. Cool the individual as fast as possible, eg. in a bathtub of COOL water, shower or garden hose. In low humidity wrap person in cool, wet towel/cloth. Seek medical attention. Call 911 for further information.
These self-help measures may help you respond to warning signs of heat exposure troubles. You can remain safe by staying cool, drinking more fluids especially water, limiting activity, and wearing appropriate clothing. After all, the best defense against the sun’s rays is PREVENTION.
