It won’t be long before intense summer heat takes hold.
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“It’s really important to take extra care as we begin to experience this change in weather,” said SSM Health Family Medicine Provider Jamie Mowry. “Our bodies don’t always react to prolonged heat very well.”
On hot days it is a good idea to wear loose, lightweight clothing. When spending an extended period of time outside, it’s important to take breaks – preferably in a cool place.
It’s also vital to drink even more water than usual. The body sweats in a natural attempt to cool down, and it’s important to replenish those fluids. Even mild dehydration can cause health issues.
“Drinking water is important every day, but it’s especially important if it is hot out or if you’re being physically active and sweating,” Mowry said. It’s important to note that people wake up from sleep already in a dehydrated state.
“Drinking at least 15 ounces of water as soon as we wake up can help us start our day right,” Mowry said. “Drinking water through the day is important – we are already dehydrated by the time we feel thirsty.”
Keeping Pets Safe
If out and about, never leave a person or pet in a parked vehicle. Simply cracking a window isn’t enough to keep them safe and comfortable. “It only takes 10 minutes for a vehicle’s interior temperature to rise 20 degrees,” Mowry said. “It really doesn’t take long for heat illnesses to occur.”
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Having cool, wet skin
- Heavy sweating
- Faintness/Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Weak, rapid pulse
- Low blood pressure
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea
- Headache
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
- A throbbing headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Fainting/Loss of Consciousness
- Confusion
- Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
- High body temperature
“Heat exhaustion will make you feel unwell, so do your best to find a cool place, hydrate, and to take it easy,” Mowry said. “If heat stroke is suspected, call 911 right away.”
Left untreated, heat stroke can damage the brain, heart, kidneys, muscles, or even be fatal.
Everyone can be impacted by extreme heat, but those at higher risk for complications are the very young, the elderly, people with high blood pressure, and those who work outside
To learn more about heat illnesses and how to treat them, visit the CDC.
