Need for Heat Precautions Rises with Temperatures BRYAN, TX (kamu) - Calendars mean little in terms of Texas heat. Whatever the time of the year, extreme heat can create serious health problems for the elderly and the very young.
Staying in an air-conditioned area, is the most effective way to combat heat. This can be either at home at the mall, library or recreation center. If air conditioning is not available, open the windows, pull the shades down to keep the sun out and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.
Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.
If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can follow causing extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness and death.
to help a person showing severe symptoms, get the victim into shade, call for emergency medical services and start cooling the person immediately with cool water of by fanning.
If you are in extreme heat, drink fluids frequently, especially water and wear light-colored, loose fitting clothing.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicles in how weather, even for a short time.
Avoid alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar. Don't wait until you are thirsty, start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going out.
Take frequent breaks.
Plan strenuous out activity for early morning or evening.
Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, wide brimmed hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Eat more frequently, but meals should be well balanced, cool and light.
Check frequently on the elderly, the ill and the very young.
Prevention is the best defense against heat-related illness. Staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cool clothing and monitoring outdoor activities are essential to staying healthy in hot weather. © Copyright 2009, kamu