Advice for beating the heat

The Virginian-Pilot

Here is some advice about the danger of excessive heat and how to safely survive a spell of hot weather, from the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

Stagnant atmospheric conditions that often accompany a heat wave can trap pollutants in urban areas and increase pollution levels, creating health problems.

The elderly, small children, chronic invalids, those on certain medications or drugs (especially tranquilizers and anti-cholinergics), and people with weight and alcohol problems are particularly susceptible to adverse heat reactions.

TIPS

Slow down Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day. Individuals at risk should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.

Dress for summer Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.

Food is fuel for the fire Eat wisely and eat less. Foods, especially proteins, increase metabolic heat production and also heighten water loss.

Drink up Take in plenty of water or other non alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Relax Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day in an air-conditioned environment affords some protection.

Don’ts Drink alcoholic beverages or take salt tablets unless specified by a physician. Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the body’s job of heat dissipation more difficult

HEAT DISORDER SYMPTOMS

Sunburn Redness and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever and/or headaches. First aid: Ointments for mild cases if blisters appear and do not break. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by a physician.

Heat cramps Painful spasms, usually in the muscles of the legs and abdomen, are possible. First aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water.

Heat exhaustion Heavy sweating; weakness; skin is cold, pale and clammy with a thready pulse. Fainting and vomiting are possible. First aid: Get the victim out of the sun. Have him or her lie down, and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move the victim to an air-conditioned room. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat stroke/sunstroke High body temperature (106 degrees F, or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. First aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler environment Reduce body temperature with a cold bath or sponging. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids. People on salt-restrictive diets should consult a physician before increasing their salt intake.