subscribe
send to a friend

Beat the Heat: Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Surf

By: Megan Nelson 

Contact us for more info.

Imagine: the days are longer, it’s warmer outside, and you’re more likely to be in the park or on the lake then at your desk. The summer months are coming! A combination of warmer temperatures and extra physical, social and educational opportunities available in the community make it a great time to be healthy while having fun.

But before you start exercising in the sun or enjoying a barbeque and summer cocktails with friends, be informed of the advantages and the potential dangers of summer activity.

Hiking, swimming, tennis, golf, and water skiing are some of the great ways to be physically active in the summer months. Using safety precautions associated with each activity are always important, but being in higher temperatures adds a new element of concern.

Our body is an amazing machine with built-in mechanisms that allow us to warm and cool ourselves, like when golfing on a beautiful summer day. However, if your body has difficulty cooling itself, you may experience a heat-related illness, that should be treated seriously.

Heatstroke occurs when your body is unable to control its temperature: the sweating mechanism fails and your body cannot cool itself. It is the most serious form of heat-related illnesses and should be considered a medical emergency.  Signs include hot, dry skin, rapid or weak pulse, slowed breathing, or change in consciousness.

Heat exhaustion is a less serious form of heat illness and also results in loss of the ability to perspire and control the body’s temperature. Symptoms include excessive sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness and exhaustion, while the body's temperature may remain normal. The key difference which makes heat stroke much more serious than heat exhaustion is the change in mental status or consciousness, according to the American Red Cross (ARC).

A serious heat-related illness that goes untreated for an extended period of time can result in permanent brain damage or death. To avoid experiencing heat-related illness, the ARC recommends dressing for the heat with lightweight clothing, hats and umbrellas, drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol, caffeine and excessive salt, avoiding strenuous activity, and taking regular breaks to stay cool.

It can be easy to overlook signs of potential danger when you’re with friends, enjoying activities near the water, or consuming alcohol at a barbeque or event. Don’t underestimate the toll of the summer heat while you’re having fun!

If you are concerned that a friend or yourself may be experiencing a heat-related illness, act immediately by getting the person into the shade to relax and giving small amounts of cool water every 15 minutes. If available, place wet cloths on the neck, wrists and ankles where large blood vessels are present. Monitor the victim for vomiting, changes in breathing or consciousness and call 9-1-1 or local emergency if any of these signs occur. For more information on heat-related illnesses, precautions and general care, visit the American Red Cross web site.

Take advantage of what summer has to offer! Enjoy new kinds of physical activity and time with friends and family, and always be aware of safety measures and symptoms of heat-related illness.