Written By Danielle Gymorie Cert, Personal Trainer Prescription Fitness

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. I love hot weather, cookouts, beach trips and soaking up the sun.  When I know I’m going to be out in hot weather, I try to plan accordingly and bring extra water, sunscreen, and know what other resources I will have available to me.  Why?  Because of heatstroke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that around 600 heat-related deaths occur each year. A couple heat-related illnesses include heat exhaustion and heat stroke, whereas heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, and heat stroke can lead to death.  Heat stroke is a condition that occurs when the body can’t cool itself fast enough and your body temperature rises to dangerous levels.

Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale, and clammy skin, a fast but weak pulse, fainting, and nausea or vomiting. Signs of heat stroke include hot, red skin that may be dry or moist, a rapid pulse, high body temperature (above 103 F, or 39 C), confusion, and a change in consciousness.

Are you at risk? Adults age 65 or older, infants, and children age 4 or younger are most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses because they have a limited ability to regulate body temperature and do not sweat as much. Other factors that can increase risk include:

  • High heat and humidity.
  • Chronic medical condition, such as heart disease, pulmonary disease, poor circulation, poorly controlled diabetes or mental illness, and some medications, such as diuretics.
  • Acute illness with fever, diarrhea or vomiting, and inability to keep liquids down.
  • Conditions that make it more difficult to regulate body temperature, such as being obese or being sunburned.
  • Drinking alcohol or beverages containing large amounts of sugar.
  • Spending time outdoors when heat and humidity are high.

Do you know what to do to prevent heat-related illness? Diet plays a role in this believe it or not. Here’s how to reduce your risk of heat-related illness:

  • Stay cool.If you have air-conditioning, use it.  Take a cool shower or bath, or use a mist bottle to spray yourself. If you’re using an electric fan, don’t direct the air at you. The blowing air will dehydrate you faster. Instead, direct the air to remove hot air from the room — this will draw cooler air in. Also keep in mind that when the temperature is in the high 90s, an electric fan will not prevent heat-related illness.
  • Drink more fluids.Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Drink enough cool fluids, such as water or sports drinks, each hour to maintain normal urine output. Avoid alcohol, drinks that are high in sugar and high in caffeine as they can cause you to lose more fluid. If you’re on a fluid-restricted diet or take diuretics, contact your doctor for advice on how much you should drink.
  • Be informed.Monitor the local weather forecast. Know the at-risk people in your neighborhood and check in on them. If you don’t have air conditioning, know where you can go to stay cool. Shopping malls and public libraries are usually air-conditioned. Your local health department may be able to guide you to a shelter. Go there, even if only for a few hours.
  • Eat right.Keep your house cool by preparing meals that don’t need to be cooked in the oven or on the stove. Eat foods that are higher in water content, such as fruit (watermelon and other melons, grapes, oranges and other citrus, tomatoes) and vegetables (cucumbers, bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, lettuce and other leafy greens). Fruits and vegetables not only provide water they also help replace minerals lost via sweat. However, be aware that too much fruit juice may cause diarrhea in some cases, which can make dehydration worse. Don’t take salt tablets unless directed to by your doctor. The easiest and safest way to replace mineral loss is with food.

Remember, be aware and be prepared so that you and those around you can be safe but still have fun in the hot, sunny weather!  Care for yourself and those who may be at risk.

 

Man in white shirt and black short with white earbuds bending down with arm on head in woods

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