As we officially welcome the summer season this week, we have already experienced temperatures in the 80’s. Health problems caused by too much heat can affect all ages, however children and the elderly are most vulnerable. In adults 50 and older, approximately 200 die each year due to heat-related problems. We know the temperatures will continue to rise, so we urge you to follow our 4 Tips To Keep You Cool and Safe This Summer.
It’s important to recognize when hot weather is making you or a family member sick, and when to seek help. Here are 4 health problems caused by too much heat exposure:
1. DEHYDRATION
WHAT IT IS: A loss of water in your body. It can be serious if not treated.
WARNING SIGNS: Weakness, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, confusion, and passing out.
WHAT TO DO: Call your healthcare provider or 911. Meanwhile, drink plenty of water and, if possible a “sports drink”, which contain important salts called “electrolytes.” Among other things, electrolytes play a key role in regulating your heartbeat. Your body loses electrolytes when you’re dehydrated.
2. HEAT STROKE
WHAT IT IS: A very dangerous rise in your body temperature. It can be deadly.
WARNING SIGNS: A body temperature of 103 or higher; red, hot, and dry skin; a fast pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea or vomiting; confusion; and passing out.
WHAT TO DO: Call 911 immediately. Move to a cool, shady place, take off or loosen heavy clothes. If possible, douse yourself with cool water, or put cloths soaked with cool water on your wrists, ankles, armpits, and neck to lower your temperature. Try and see if you can safely swallow water or drinks such as Gatorade.
Note: If you are caring for someone else who has heat stroke, only give them water or drinks if they are awake and can swallow.
3. HEAT EXHAUSTION
WHAT IT IS: A serious health problem caused by too much heat and dehydration. If not treated, it may lead to heat stroke (see above).
WARNING SIGNS: Heavy sweating or no sweating, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, paleness, cold or clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, fast and weak pulse, fainting.
WHAT TO DO: Without delay, move to a cool, shady place, and drink plenty of cool fluids, such as water or Gatorade. Call 911 without delay if you have high blood pressure or heart problems, or if you don’t feel better quickly after moving to the shade and drinking liquids.
4. HEAT SYNCOPE
WHAT IT IS: Fainting caused by high temperatures.
WARNING SIGNS: Dizziness or fainting.
WHAT TO DO: Lie down and put your feet up, and drink plenty of water and cool fluids such as Gatorade.
If you know an older adult that lives alone, take a moment and check on them daily, you may save their life.
At Sentry Window Guards we make it our business to help keep families safe. Now that you know how to spot and treat heat-related health problems, our wish is for you to never experience one! For more information regarding our window guard products and our experience and leadership in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today!
