Hot, hot, hot!

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can occur during the hot summer days.  It is important when doing outdoor activities that you remind your children to drink water often.  By the time we feel thirsty, we are already mildly dehydrated and dehydration can worsen and cause death.  If a person won’t drink plain water, offer flavored beverages (non-carbonated with no caffeine, lower calorie and non-alcoholic) as an alternative.  Avoid prolonged times in the heat with breaks indoors or at least in shady areas or in pools of water.  Covering the body with sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats and lightweight clothing can also help, but drinking plenty of fluids is most important to prevent the severe dehydration of heat illness.

When a person develops heat exhaustion , they feel very thirsty, weak, nauseous, and irritable.  The skin feels cool but clammy and sweaty.  A severe headache may develop.  Some people vomit.  Breathing becomes fast and shallow.  The body temperature can get as high as 105°F.  It can progress to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.  During heatstroke, the headache is severe, the person may have confusion, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.  Loss of consciousness may occur.  During this severe state the body stops sweating, and the skin is flushed and hot.  The body temperature may be 105°F. or more.

If you suspect someone is developing heat exhaustion, bring that person to shade or into air conditioning as soon as possible.  Have the person lay down and elevate the feet.  Give sport drinks, juice, or water, and offer sips frequently.  Use water to spray on the person or wipe with a cool cloth.  If the person shows signs of heatstroke, seek medical attention immediately.