HEALTH TIPS

BY: Kimberly Crawford

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

Its summer time and many people love the warm weather months. But hot and humid days can sometimes be dangerous. It’s not good for the body to be too hot for too long. Too much heat can damage your brain and other organs. It’s important to keep cool when the days are hot.

Your body has its own natural cooling system. Sweating is key to cooling when hot weather or exercise causes your body temperature to climb. But sometimes that is not enough.

There are different types of heat stress:

• Heat stroke – this is the most serious heat-related disorder. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature.
• Heat exhaustion – is the body’s response to an excessive loss of water and salt.
• Heat Syncope – is a fainting episode or dizziness that usually occurs with prolonged standing.
• Heat Cramps – usually affects workers who sweat a lot during strenuous activity.
• Heat Rash – a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.

Symptoms of these may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness, confusion
• Nausea
• Clammy, moist skin
• Pale or flushed complexion
• Muscle cramps
• Slightly elevated body temperature
• Fast and shallow breathing

Keeping cool is important! Some ways to do this include:

• Get out of the sun and into a cool place
• Drink plenty of liquids, especially water. Avoid drinks that contain alcohol
• Limit use of the oven if you don’t have air conditioning
• Dress for the weather. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
• Shower, bathe or sponge off with cool water
• Cover windows with shades, blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
• If you need help paying your electric bills to run an air conditioner, visit: www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ocs/resource/liheap-brochures

If you show any signs of heat illness, seek medical attention immediately!

For more information on heat safety, go to:  www.bt.cdc.gov

Have a fun, but safe summer! Be informed, be aware, be safe and healthy!

If there is a health subject you would like to see information on, please contact Kimberly Crawford at 573-748-5046 or email: kcrawford@semohealthnetwork.org