The best defense is prevention. Here are some prevention tips:
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adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of
heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course,
need much more frequent watching.
If you must be out in the heat:
- [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]Drink
more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t
wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally
limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him
how much you should drink while the weather is hot. - Don’t
drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these
actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold
drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps. - Stay
indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If
your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or
public library–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your
body stay cooler when you go back into the heat. Call your local health
department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area. - Electric
fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s,
fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or
bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to
cool off. - Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
- NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
- Although
any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people
are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on: - Infants and young children
- People aged 65 or older
- People who have a mental illness
- Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
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adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of
heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course,
need much more frequent watching.
If you must be out in the heat:
- [You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
- Cut
down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of
cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the
salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt
diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember
the warning in the first “tip” (above), too. - Try to rest often in shady areas.
- Protect
yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you
cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher
(the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB
protection” on their labels).
