What's Going Around? - Keeping Cool This Summer

As temperatures rise this summer, keeping your cool will help lower your likelihood of experiencing heat-related illness or distress. It is important for people of all ages to take precautions when working or playing in the summer heat, especially if you or family members are diabetic, have hypertension, deal with a heart condition, or receive treatment for some other chronic health condition. A little sunshine each day is good for you, but it is important to be cautious when you are exposed to extreme heat. By planning ahead to protect yourself and your family from heat issues, you will help to ensure that your summertime activities are happy, healthy and fun.

10 to 15 minutes of sunshine provides your daily recommended dose of vitamin D. However, the longer you are directly exposed to the sun, the more likely you are to experience a heat related illness. These can range from minor conditions like heat rash, cramps or exhaustion to heat stroke. Heat stroke is a severe condition that can cause long-term and life-threatening problems.

While minor heat-related illnesses can be treated at home, heat stroke requires immediate medical attention. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you or a loved one experience high body temperature (above 103°F), have hot, red, dry or moist skin, a rapid and strong pulse or unconsciousness, it is important to seek medical assistance immediately.

Everyone is at risk, but people who are age 65 and above, infants and children, those who are overweight, and individuals with chronic medical conditions or who take certain prescription medications are more prone to heat-related distress or illnesses. Talk with your physician if you have any of these risk factors, or are concerned about spending a lot of time in the summer heat.

A few easy precautions will help you to keep your cool this summer:

• Air-conditioning is the single best way to protect against heat-related illness. If you do not have air-conditioning at home during extreme heat, try to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as shopping malls, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Stay informed! Listen to your local news and weather channels before going outdoors, and dress accordingly. When possible, wear light colored, loose fitting clothing made of “breathable” material, like cotton.
• Contact your local public health department during extreme heat conditions for any special health and safety tips or alerts.
• Your body deals with high temperatures by sweating. Sweating decreases our body temperature. But increased sweating causes another problem. You are not only losing water (dehydration), but your body is also losing important elements like potassium, sodium and chlorine. It takes more than water to restore these lost elements. You also need a proper diet.
• Finally, stay hydrated this summer, and all year, by drinking plenty of cool, nonalcoholic beverages. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.