Staying Safe in the Hot Weather

 

The weather recently does not seem to be breaking, but as many Idahoans know, the Summer heat is right around the corner. Hot weather should not be trifled with. There are many different issues that can pop up during the hot weather, which can make many people unhappy. There are a few simple steps you can do to help keep you cool during the summer heat.

*Sunburns: When people think of summer, many people think of being sunburned. Stinging skin is not a fun way to spend a few days after playing in the sun. Damage of the sun isn’t always visible; UV light can alter the DNA of your skin and one can age prematurely. A sunburn is usually apparent with skin turning red, swelling, and sometimes blisters. Many times, a severe sunburn can coincide with a feverish feeling, chills, nausea, headache, and weakness (the early stages of heat exhaustion). Remember: even if the sky is overcast, one can get a sunburn!

Treatment for sunburns is relatively simple. Cool baths or a cold compress, can help relieve the sting of the burn. Any cream or gel with menthol, camphor or aloe, helps reduce redness and pain of sunburns. Stay out of the sun until the sunburn heals and drink more water to stave of dehydration.

*Dehydration: The body sweats to cool itself in hot areas. If there is not enough water in the body, heat sickness can come on quickly. One rule of thumb when hiking or being in a hot area, if you are thirsty you are already feeling the effects of dehydration. Any time you slow down or take a break drink water.

*Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion has symptoms of excessive sweating, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, vomiting, and muscle cramps. If the body cannot self-regulate, through sweating, heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke. The mental status of an individual can deteriorate as well.

Treatment for heat exhaustion mainly involves stopping the activity, getting to a cool area, and drinking water or sports drink (like Gatorade). It is important to get out of the hot environment. One complication of heat exhaustion is the individual is left in a hot environment, the activity has stopped yes, but when left in a hot environment the exhaustion can lead to heatstroke. Get into the shade and cool off.

*Heat Stroke: Heat stroke is one of the scariest heat-related illnesses. It can strike at any time and is like someone having a stroke. There are some indicators to keep in mind when checking on your loved ones. Heatstroke victims will have trouble speaking and thinking. Even though their body is overheating they will not be sweating and have a flushed dry skin. Their heartbeat will be going very fast. They will have trouble breathing or hallucinating. Many times, those suffering heatstroke will be very queasy, throwing up and be extremely weak.

Treatment should be sought IMMEDIATELY. Take them to a cool shady place and remove clothing to make them more comfortable. A person suffering heat stroke should be cooled slowly to keep them from going into shock. A towel or shirt cooled with water should be applied to their neck, underarms and groin area. Keep them conscious. Notify emergency services as soon as the heat stroke sufferer is out of the heat.

Small Children want to play more and have trouble understanding body regulation. Parents with small children should make sure they stay hydrated and use sunscreen. Keeping on top of heat-related illness will ensure you have a better time on your vacation.