ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
With temperatures set to soar to 100 degrees and higher in some areas, it is important to take proper precautions should the need to be outdoors arise.
“Heat-related illnesses, like heat exhaustion and heatstroke can be life-threatening and often prevented,” the Mayo Clinic noted. “Heat exhaustion can happen when your body becomes dehydrated and loses too much water and salt, as a result of high temperatures and humidity. Those most at risk are older adults, those with high blood pressure and those who are working outside. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to more severe heat-related illness, a heat-stroke. Heat exhaustion can happen when your body becomes dehydrated and loses too much water and salt, as a result of high temperatures and humidity. Those most at risk are older adults, those with high blood pressure and those who are working outside. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to more severe heat-related illness, a heat-stroke.”
With that in mind, the Centers for Disease Control also offered some advice for how people can beat the heat.
“One recommendation is to choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing,” the CDC noted. “Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible, and if your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library, as even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat, or call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. It’s also recommended to use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home, and take a cool shower or bath to cool off.”
Back in May, the CDC had announced a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), to launch a new Heat and Health Initiative to protect Americans from heat exposure.
“First, the HeatRisk Forecast Tool, developed by both CDC and NOAA, provides a seven-day heat forecast nationwide that tells you when temperatures may reach levels that could harm your health,” the May CDC release noted. “Second, CDC’s HeatRisk Dashboard, a consumer-friendly product, integrates the HeatRisk Forecast Tool data with other information, including details on local air quality, to inform the public on how best to protect themselves when outdoor temperatures are high and could impact their health. Third, newly developed CDC clinical guidance helps clinicians keep at-risk individuals safe when temperatures rise.”
The American Red Cross added it is important for people to stay hydrated.
“You need to drink enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily, but everyone’s needs vary,” the American Red Cross noted. “You can check if you are getting enough water by noting your urine color. Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough. It’s also recommended to avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks. If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines. Older adults over the age of 65 may not tolerate sudden changes in temperature as well as younger people, so check on them more frequently and ensure they are drinking enough water.”
Johns Hopkins Medicine also offered some advice.
“Exposure to abnormal or prolonged amounts of heat and humidity without relief or adequate fluid intake can cause various types of heat-related illness,” Johns Hopkins Medicine noted. “Children and teens adjust more slowly than adults do to changes in environmental heat. They also produce more heat with activity than adults, and sweat less. Sweating is one of the body's normal cooling mechanisms. Children and teens often do not think to rest when having fun and may not drink enough fluids when playing, exercising, or participating in sports. Children and teens with chronic health problems, or those who take certain medicines, may be more susceptible to heat-related illnesses. Children and teens who are overweight or wear heavy clothing during exertion, such as marching band or football uniforms, are also more susceptible.”
The CDC also emphasized against leaving young children in cars on hot days.
“Cars can quickly heat up to dangerous temperatures, even with a window cracked open. While anyone left in a parked car is at risk, children are especially at risk of getting a heat stroke or dying,” the CDC noted. “When traveling with children, remember to do the following: never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open. Also, to remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver. When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car. Each year, multiple children die after being left in hot cars, and this is never a safe practice.”
The Mayo Clinic also encouraged the use of sunscreen.
“Sunburn affects your body's ability to cool itself, so it’s recommended to wear sunscreen and sunglasses to protect your eyes and skin,” the Mayo Clinic noted. “If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out. Continue to reapply it according to the directions.”
