Summer is here and so is the heat. While flu season is behind us, there are still health concerns in the summertime. So next time you’re enjoying the outdoors, remember the risk of overexposure to heat and a heat related illness. Being overheated can become a life threatening situation if it is ignored.
Stay Hydrated
This time of year, it is important to stay hydrated. Complications from not drinking enough water through the day, while staying out in direct heat, can vary from something minor to something that can become life threatening. It’s important to remember that persons who stay indoors, but do not have a fan or air conditioning, are also at risk for heat related illnesses.
Dehydration occurs when a person does not keep a proper fluid balance. Often a person needs to increase water intake, but it is also important to make sure that low-sugar electrolyte drinks are consumed as well. Excessive sweating can cause loss of sodium, leading to an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes. This imbalance can cause muscle cramps, weakness, or it can affect the heart. Fluids with caffeine and alcohol do not help a person rehydrate and can contribute to dehydration.
Heat Related Illness
Heat related illnesses can be anything from mild heat exhaustion to heat stroke. Symptoms can vary widely, and treatments usually focus on hydration and cooling a person down. While many symptoms can be caused by other health problems or illnesses, the following can be from a heat related illness:
• Muscle cramps or weakness
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Feeling light headed, dizzy, passing out, or decreased consciousness
• Heart racing/elevated heart rate
• Headache
• Skin may be pale and sweaty or it may be hot and dry (depends on severity)
• Drop in blood pressure
• Faster breathing
• Decreased urination
• Seizures
• Temperature elevated, severe if over 104.9
The very old and very young, people with chronic health issues and people who take certain medications are at higher risk for a heat related illness. Others at risk include those who are involved in strenuous activates in the heat, or those who are in the heat for prolonged periods of time without properly hydrating or cooling themselves.
Summer Safety Tips
Enjoy the summer and all the outdoor activities responsibly with the following tips:
• Wear light colored clothing and/or a hat.
• Seek shade, use fans, or go to a place with air conditioning during the hottest part of the day.
• Exercise during the coolest time of the day.
• Drink fluids to stay properly hydrated while limiting/avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
• Pace your activities and allow rest times.
If you find yourself thirsty you are already starting to become dehydrated, so take the time to drink fluids and rest.
If you start to develop symptoms, and resting in a cool place while drinking fluids does not help, you cannot drink fluids due to nausea and vomiting, or your symptoms continue to worsen, seek medical attention. If you stop sweating, have a seizure, pass out or have a temperature over 104.9 you should seek emergency treatment.
ATI Active Care is a walk-in clinic, located in Waukesha, WI, that provides immediate care for non-emergency acute conditions, physicals, health screenings, preventive health and wellness programs. For more information contact BobbieJo Paul at bobbiejopaul@activatehealthcare.com or call (262) 574-2711.