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Keep Cool in Hot Weather
When it's extremely hot or humid, your body can't cool itself well. This may lead to a serious
heat-related illness.
To Avoid Becoming Overheated:
Know your risk. Children younger
than 4, adults age 65 and older, people
who are overweight or have health
conditions, and those who take certain
medications may be more likely to
develop heat-related illness.
Stay hydrated. "Don't wait until
you're thirsty to replenish fluids,"
says Owen Carolan, M.D., a family
practice physician at Ocean Medical
Center. "When you're active on a hot
day, try to drink two to four glasses of
water every hour. But avoid alcoholic,
caffeinated, or sugary beverages. They
may make you more dehydrated." If
your doctor has told you to limit fluids,
ask how much you should drink.
Keep cool. Spending at least
two hours a day in air conditioning
reduces the risk of heat-related illness.
If your home isn't air-conditioned,
stroll the mall, see a movie, or go to
the library.
Use common sense with kids. Have
them come inside for frequent breaks.
"Also, never leave a child — or a pet
— in a closed car," says Dr. Carolan.
"Temperatures can rise to fatal levels
in minutes."
Watch for symptoms. Heavy
sweating; cool, moist, pale, or flushed
skin; headache; nausea; and dizziness may indicate heat exhaustion. This
may lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening
condition. If you have these
symptoms, go to a cooler place, loosen
clothing, and put cool, wet cloths
on your skin. Slowly drink water.
Signs of heatstroke include dry,
red, hot skin; a rapid, weak pulse; and
fast, shallow breathing. The person
may be confused or even lose consciousness.
"If you think someone
has heatstroke, call 911 immediately,"
stresses Dr. Carolan. "Don't give them any food or drink if they are vomiting,
delirious, or unconscious. But do
move them to a cooler place. Remove
their clothes, apply cool, wet compresses,
and use a fan, if possible."
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