Summer Heat
As we stand on the precipice of summer and the zenith of daylight hours approaches its climax, we must once again prepare ourselves to deal with the heat of summer in a safe and reasonable manner. Our desire to go play and enjoy the weather or through the necessity of our work, we will all spend time outside in the summer heat. It is important to understand how taking certain precautions can help us deal with and endure the heat of summer no matter what the reason that brings us outside. The main risks associated with hot, humid weather are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. These two medical conditions are sometimes confused with each other but they both have definite and distinct differences. The reason they are often thought of in a synonymous mindset is that a person will suffer from heat exhaustion first before they more on to a heat stroke next if early symptoms are not addressed immediately. The definition of heat exhaustion is, “…a condition whose symptoms may include heavy sweating and a rapid pulse, a result of your body overheating”, (Mayo Clinic). The definition of a heat stroke is, “…a condition caused by your body overheating, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to or physical exertion in high temperatures. This most serious form of heat injury, heatstroke, can occur if your body temperature rises to 104 F (40 C) or higher,” (Mayo Clinic). If heat exhaustion is not treated, it can lead to heat stroke which can cause permanent damage to the body, even death.
Heat Exhaustion
The signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time, especially with prolonged periods of exertion or exercise in the summer heat. These signs and symptoms include:
· Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
· Heavy sweating
· Faintness
· Dizziness
· Fatigue
· Weak, rapid pulse
· Low blood pressure upon standing
· Muscle cramps
· Nausea
· Headache
Heat Stroke
Heatstroke signs and symptoms include:
· High body temperature. A core body temperature of 104 F (40 C) or higher, obtained with a rectal thermometer, is the main sign of heatstroke.
· Altered mental state or behavior. Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
· Alteration in sweating. In heatstroke brought on by hot weather, your skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
· Nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
· Flushed skin. Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
· Rapid breathing. Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
· Racing heart rate. Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
· Headache. Your head may throb.
The best way to combat both of these conditions is to stay hydrated (drink plenty of WATER or SPORTS DRINK the REPLENISHES nutrients lost by excessive sweating), wear appropriate clothing (lightweight, comfortable and loose), take it easy during the hottest parts of the day and allow your body to become acclimated to the hot weather. The last one on the list seems to always throw people for a loop…if your job keeps you in a climate-controlled environment for 95% of your day, it is completely unrealistic to expect your body to go into a hot environment and operate at peak efficiency without consequence. Our bodies need to learn to adapt to the environment around us…in our modern climate-controlled building, we live and work in relative comfort, so take it easy when you do go out in the summer heat. When working or playing in the summer heat, be aware of how you’re feeling and listen to your body. If you feel the onset of heat exhaustion, TAKE A BREAK! Find a cool place to rest, a shady tree will do if there is no shelter nearby, and drink plenty of fluids to replenish the fluids lost due to sweat. If you feel that you have moved beyond the symptoms of heat exhaustion and are on the verge of a heat stroke, call 911 right away and seek medical attention right away.
Summer is a time for recreation in the great outdoors. I encourage you to be smart and to be safe whether you are weeding your garden or if you’re hiking the Appalachian Trail…be safe in the summer heat. I have personally experienced heat exhaustion when I was a young man, take my word on it, it isn’t a pleasant experience…so drink plenty of water and have fun out there. Take care of yourself and each other this summer, remember, we’re all in this together!
Wm Reid
Best Home Care Services325 N Eastern Ave
Connersville, IN 47331
765-827-9833
wmreid@bhcshealth.com