Staying Cool During the Heat Wave

All you have to do is step outside or watch the news to realize it is hot outside!

According to The National Weather Service, heat is the number one killer in the United States.

There are four heat symptoms that can be very dangerous:

1. Sunburns cause the skin to turn red and are very painful.

2. Heat cramps are painful spasms in the muscles of the legs and abdomen accompanied by heavy sweating.

3. Heat exhaustion has symptoms of sweating, weakness, pale cold clammy skin, fainting, or vomiting.

4. Last is heat stroke which is when the body temperature rises above 106 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are many ways, according to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, to help beat the heat. The CDC suggests drinking more fluids (alcoholic fluids do not count, and sugary drinks are also not recommended, as they can cause you to lose more fluids.) They also suggest that you do not wait until you are thirsty to hydrate. Staying indoors if possible and trying to stay in air conditioned areas is suggested, and if air is not available, fans may provide comfort.  Other tips include wearing lightweight, loose fitted clothing, and never leaving anyone in a parked vehicle.

Although anyone can suffer from a heat related illness, the people most at risk are infants and younger children, the elderly, people with mental illness, and those who are physically ill (if you know somebody at risk it is suggested to check on them at least twice a day.)

If you must be outdoors, the CDC suggests limiting outdoor activity, cutting down on outdoor exercise, resting in shady areas, and protecting yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat and wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 or more.