Summer in Mountain Mama is the best! Before hitting the pool, lake, hiking trail, or even your own backyard, the providers at St. George Medical Clinic want to share a few tips for you to remember to keep you and your loved ones safe all summer long.
Warm weather is a time for fun in the sun. But, being in extreme heat can cause heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and in worse case scenarios, death. The most at risk individuals include infants and young children, people 65 and older, people who are overweight, and people who have chronic health conditions or are on certain medications.
When you sweat your body loses excessive water and salt and this is when heat exhaustion or heat stroke most commonly occurs.
Look for these signs and symptoms for heat exhaustion:
● Sweating
● Pale, ashen, or moist and clammy skin
● Fatigue, weakness, or exhaustion
● Rapid heart rate
● Muscle cramps
● Headache, dizziness, or fainting
● Nausea or vomiting
Seek medical help immediately when you notice these signs for heat stroke:
● Headache, dizziness, or confusion
● Body temperature over 103 degrees
● Irrational or belligerent behavior
● Rapid breathing
● Skin that is flushed, dry or hot, and skin that has stopped sweating
● Unresponsiveness and convulsions
Immediately take action to protect the person suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
● Do call 911 and seek medical help.
● Don’t force the person to drink.
● Do move them to a cool place.
● Don’t allow them to take pain relievers or blood thinners.
● Do immerse the neck into cold water or cool the neck and head area with a wet washcloth.
● Don’t allow them to drink alcohol.
● Do monitor breathing and give CPR if necessary.
The best way to avoid heat-related illnesses is to limit sun and heat exposure and drink fluids. Hydration is always important, but especially during summer months for at-risk individuals. In hot and humid weather we tend to lose a lot of our body fluids through sweat, which is why it’s so important to ensure proper hydration.
Water, sports drinks with added electrolytes, or coconut water are all great options to help you stay hydrated. Certain foods can also help with hydration like cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, watermelon, cantaloupe, and strawberries because they contain higher amounts of water.
Avoid beverages that will not help keep you hydrated like alcohol, coffee, tea, or soda.
At St. George Medical Clinic we hope you enjoy your summer. Remember the risks and protect your family. If you are concerned, please reach out to schedule an appointment or consult with our medical professionals at 304.478.3339. Stay tuned for part two to learn more summer safety tips.