Healthline: Summer Temperatures are Breaking Records: Don't Ignore These Signs of Heat Illness
“Dr. Theodore Strange, chair of medicine at Staten Island University Hospital, part of Northwell Health in New York, said our body temperature is normally regulated to stay about 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
He emphasized that it’s “concerning” once someone’s temperature exceeds 104 degrees. Strange said there are three stages of heat injury to look out for; heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
“Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time,” he cautioned. “Especially with prolonged periods of exercise.” According to Strange, possible signs and symptoms of heat illness can include cool, moist skin with goosebumps when in the heat, as well as:
Heavy sweating
Faintness
Weak, rapid pulse
Muscle cramps
Nausea
Headaches
“Children have an additional risk of heat illness due to the smaller surface area of their skin, which makes it harder to dissipate heat through sweating,” said Rivadeneyra.”
If you see someone suffering from heat stress, the Red Cross recommends you follow these steps:
If they’re losing consciousness or vomiting, immediately call 9-1-1
Relocate the person to an air-conditioned or shaded area
Provide cool water they can drink slowly
Apply ice or cold towels to the head, neck, groin, wrists, ankles and underarms
Some Insights From This Article
Summer is the universal time to be out and about, enjoying the sunshine and Vitamin D in the beach, the park, the mall, everywhere you go! However it’s important to keep proper heat precautions while we’re outside, to avoid potential harmful effects of the heat.
When I was working in my neighborhood COVID center I remember how fast it was to feel the symptoms of heat exhaustion on a summer day. It really can sneak up on you in the form of lightheadedness, headache and generally body fatigue. Oftentimes one can ignore these signs as a normal hot day but it’s important to understand that these can be potentially dangerous leading into a heat stroke.
Make sure to stay hydrated when staying out! Additionally it doesn’t hurt staying out in the shade or air conditioned room for a few minutes before going out again. Stay safe and have fun!
How can you stay heat aware on a hot summer day? What are you doing this summer for fun?
Full article is here!
#Sun #HeatIllness #HeatExahaustion #Summer
@sunnyWriting4806 It's so sad to see the UK suffering from the heat wave. I'm currently in Dubai where it's a 100o F (38o C) and it's quite hot here too. One of the most important things to do is to prevent dehydration by drinking adequate amounts of water. I also carry around wet wipes and a spray bottle filled with water to cool off. I wear loose, white clothing to combat the heat and I try to be in the shade as much as possible.
@comfortableNight4463
Those are great ways to staying well-hydrated and heat safe during the summer!
@sunnyWriting4806 I wish more people knew this. Thanks for bringing awareness to it!
@sunnyWriting4806 Thank you for this post
its much needed these days
@zealousGrace5023
Especially in the summer sun! Hope that we can spread awareness on how to safely have fun in the summer :)
@sunnyWriting4806 yes absolutely!
@sunnyWriting4806 I hate the heat so much ): I am so light skinned I just tend to stay inside anyway, but I've had a headache the past 3 days due to the heat. I may have been dehydrated. I hope everyone stays cool and thank you for sharing these warning signs!
@fruityPond7887
I'm sorry you had to go through that! Make sure to stay well-hydrated and definitely I hope these pointers helped!
@sunnyWriting4806 They definitely did remind me to make sure to keep drinking water 😅 Thank you! Stay cool!