Has anyone noticed how hot it has been getting? It actually felt like 100 degrees back in May. With the Houston heat pressing down on everyone’s back, taking the Houston heat seriously should start now.
Tired yet?
Heat exhaustion is a real problem for anyone living in a hot climate. This happens when the body is exposed to too much heat and sweats profusely, thus losing more water. Even if a person is not active, the risks are evident. Nausea, shortness of breath and dizziness are all telltale symptoms of heat exhaustion. The young and elderly generally tend to see more pronounced issues as the temperature rises. The best way to treat the threat of exhaustion is to get out of the heat and drink plenty of fluids like water or sport drinks. (Do not drink alcohol and caffeine.) Sitting in a cool, not shockingly cold, bath can also help to lower your body’s temperature effectively.
If and when things go beyond heat exhaustion, the threat of heat stroke is imminent. Heat stroke is a life threatening matter. A person may start to feel confused and disoriented, and the body may even go into seizures and faint. If this is the case, emergency medical procedures must be taken. Call 9-1-1 quickly and get the stricken person into a safe, cool area.
Play safe
To keep these things from happening, be sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Sport drinks also can be helpful when doing any sort of strenuous exercise or activity outside during the summer months. If at all possible, try to avoid the hottest parts of the day between 1 and 6 p.m. If you must be outdoors, be sure to wear sunscreen with lightweight and light-colored clothing. It is also helpful to avoid clothing that fits too closely to the body. This will help your body to breathe better and allow for sweat evaporation. Finally, take breaks throughout the day in an air-conditioned environment, or at least an area with a fan and non-stagnant air. All of these tips will help the body stay cool and minimize the threat of heat exhaustion or stroke. H
