The first heat wave of the season is expected this week, with temperatures hitting nearly 100 degrees by Friday.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 700 people a year die from heat-related illnesses in the United States, and about 2,000 need to seek medical care.
To stay healthy as things get oppressive:
- Drink lots of fluids before being in the heat, and during exposure.
- Take frequent breaks.
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals that have a little salt. Salty foods can help you stay hydrated because the water stays where salt stays.
- Wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
- Adjust strenuous activities to mornings and evenings if possible.
- Limit sun exposure mid-day, take cover in the shade, or use an umbrella or tent.
- Spend more time indoors, using the A/C or fans, or both.
Five illnesses classify as heat-related illnesses: Heat rash, sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat.
- Heavy sweating.
- Faintness.
- Dizziness.
- Fatigue.
- Weak, rapid pulse.
- Low blood pressure upon standing.
- Muscle cramps.
- Nausea.
- Headache.
If you or a loved one show signs of heat exhaustion, stop all activity and rest, get inside to a cool place and sip cool water or sports drinks.
Contact your doctor if symptoms get worse or there’s no improvement within one hour. You may have heat stroke.
If you’re with someone who has heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical help if they become confused or distressed, lose consciousness, or are unable to drink. If their core body temperature — measured by a rectal thermometer — reaches 104 F (40 C) or higher, they need immediate cooling and urgent medical attention.
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