7 Life Saving Tips on How to Stay Safe and Keep Your Cool in the Hot Summer Temps.
Summer temps got you all hot and bothered, and not in a good way? You are not alone.
Hundreds of people across North America have died from the heat since early June. As temperatures continue to soar to record-breaking heights, people are filling ER’s with heat-related injuries.
According to The Mayo Clinic, heatstroke is caused by your body overheating, usually due to prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures compromising how your body controls its temperature. It often coincides with dehydration.
A quick note here, if you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
Signs of heatstroke
· High body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher
· Altered mental state or behavior
· Nausea and vomiting.
· Flushed skin.
· Rapid breathing.
· Racing heart rate.
· Headache.
If you believe someone is experiencing heatstroke, call 911 immediately, get them to a shaded place or inside, remove excess clothing and apply ice packs or cool water to their skin to reduce their body temperature.
7 steps to preventing heat-related injuries.
- Dress in loose clothing, preferable cotton
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water, occasional electrolyte drinks, and foods with high water contents.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol- both act as diuretics flushing water from your body.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol- both act as a diuretic flushing water from your body: neck, lower back, wrists, temples, and behind the knees.
- Get acclimated to the warmer temperatures gradually
- Save strenuous work for morning/evening hours when temperatures are lower.
- Avoid sunburns-this alters your body’s ability to control its temperature
Share with friends and family. You may save a life.
