Save Yourself from Hot Hot Heat

Save Yourself from Hot Hot Heat Save Yourself from Hot Hot Heat Heat Education and Safety As temperatures rise during the summer months the chances of falling victim to heat exhaustion or heatstroke rise drastically. Heat-related ailments can be unexpected, scary, and very serious. The first line of defense to keep yourself  safe in the heat is Education. What is Heat Exhaustion? This heat-related illness is the outcome of being exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged time period and is usually accompanied by dehydration. There are two types of heat exhaustion. The first is caused by  lack of water. Symptoms include: Headache Dark urine Lightheadedness Weakness Extreme thirst Fainting Heavy sweating The second type if heat exhaustion is caused by  lack of salt. The symptoms include: Muscle cramps spasms Nausea Dizziness Heavy sweating Heat exhaustion is a forerunner for heatstroke. If ignored, a heatstroke can ensue and may cause severe trauma to several vital organs. What is Heatstroke? Heatstroke occurs when the bodys core temperature exceeds 104 F (40C) through physical exertion or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Unlike heat exhaustion where the individual is sweating profusely, someone experiencing heat stroke is no longer sweating and has clammy skin. Other symptoms for this heat related illness include: Disorientation Confusion Bright red and dry skin Nausea Shallow breathing Headache Muscle weakness Unconsciousness Seizures Heatstroke requires immediate emergency treatment. If left untreated damage can occur to your nervous system, brain, kidneys, muscles and heart. The longer the symptoms are ignored the severity of damage done to your body increases. In severe cases untreated heatstroke can result in death. Risk Factors Certain factors can increase your odds of falling ill in heat. Age  plays a huge role in the likelihood of experiencing heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Children under the age of four years old, as well as adults over the age of sixty five are at a much higher risk in warm temperatures. Certain  medications  should not be mixed with extreme temperatures. Check with your doctor about prescription drugs before spending too much time in the heat. Specific drugs can be especially dangerous during a heat wave, and make the user more vulnerable to extreme heat including: Diuretics Stimulants Heart and blood pressure medication Tranquilizers Be aware of any  pre-existing health conditions  which may put you at a higher risk including: Obesity Underweight Heart, lung, and kidney disease Sickle cell trait Diabetes Alcoholism Sunburn. Note that if a person has not been exposed to high temperatures in a long time, their body has not acclimatized to hot environments, putting them at a higher risk of heat illness. Treatment and Prevention Now that you know the two main heat related illnesses, their symptoms and associated risks, it is time to discuss treatment and how to avoid falling victim of either one. Being aware of your situation and surroundings is key to prevention. If you know you will be spending plenty of time in the sun or exerting yourself in high temperatures, the best thing to do is drink plenty of water and avoid consuming alcoholic or caffeinated beverages that both cause rapid loss of fluids. Typically when you believe you have consumed enough water, you should drink even more. One should drink until they no longer feel thirsty at all. An electrolyte rich beverage such as sport drinks is also recommended as heat illnesses can also be caused by salt depletion. Loose fitting clothes are ideal for warm environments. If you start feeling ill while in the sun or warm temperatures, or notice someone showing symptoms of heat illness, it is important to remove tight fitting clothing and seek shade or cool areas. Cool showers and a cold compress can help relieve symptoms of heat exhaustion. Someone experiencing heatstroke needs to be treated immediately by health professionals .