Tips for staying healthy amid heat-related illnesses

Extreme heat continues to affect our planet in an unprecedented way. In fact, every month from June 2023 to May 2024 was the hottest month globally, according to reports from the Copernicus European Commission.

As temperatures rise across America and the world, the possibility of heat-related illness becomes a reality for many people, but especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly with underlying health conditions. when he was there before. The two most serious types of heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body cannot cool itself properly in an environment of extreme heat and sweat, with a large loss of water and salts in the body. When the heat is gone, you may experience a low-grade fever, muscle aches, headaches, fatigue and general weakness. On the other hand, heatstroke is life-threatening and occurs when the body’s heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by extreme heat. Patients with this condition will often have a body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, as well as mental status changes such as confusion, confusion, and possibly confusion and fainting.

So what methods can you use to prevent heat-related illnesses from affecting you?

An important tip to prevent these diseases is to stay hydrated. The body loses fluids and water through sweating in the presence of high temperatures. These fluids should be replenished to avoid dehydration, which is a major cause of heatstroke. The CDC recommends drinking one glass of water (eight ounces) every twenty minutes when working outside in the heat. Drinking plenty of water should always be a goal in the heat, even if you’re not thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, it is likely that your body is too late to replace the liquid.

Limiting exposure to the sun can also help prevent heat-related illnesses. Staying indoors, especially during daylight hours, can reduce exposure to heat. Making every effort to stay in air-conditioned facilities can be the difference between staying healthy or suffering from heat exhaustion. Planning outdoor activities for the morning or evening will also ensure that the body is exposed to less heat during the peak hours of the day.

For those who go outdoors, wearing a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher will protect the skin from harmful UV rays. This should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every two hours or more often if you sweat. Sunscreen protects against sunburn which affects the body’s ability to cool and stay hydrated.

The choice of clothing can also have a profound effect on keeping you healthy during extreme heat. Light, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing can help reflect, rather than absorb, the sun’s rays when you’re outside to keep you cool. In addition, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can protect the face and eyes from direct sunlight.

Understanding and recognizing the symptoms of heat-related illness in yourself and others can help save lives. More than 1,200 people die each year in the United States from extreme heat, according to the CDC. For example, recognizing a body temperature of 104 degrees or higher, confusion, fatigue, and dry skin as serious signs of heatstroke can prompt immediate medical attention. Heat stroke is a medical emergency that requires IV fluids, cooling blankets and an ice bath.

Perhaps most importantly, preventing heat-related illnesses requires a social approach to staying connected with family, friends and loved ones. Screening children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions can ensure that everyone stays safe and gets the help they need to combat extreme heat. These simple steps can be the difference between visiting the hospital or enjoying the summer in the comfort of your own home.