10 Tips Regarding Summer Heat Safety
When Texans think of summer, only one thing comes to mind – the heat. According to the National Weather Service, heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. With the summer heat upon us, First Choice ER Executive Medical Director, Dr. Mike Muzzarelli offers 10 tips for beating the heat.
1. NEVER leave children in the car, even with the windows down. When you arrive at your destination, make sure all children are out of the car and accounted for.
2. The sun is strongest between 10am-2pm, making you more prone to heat related illnesses during that time. Try to reduce strenuous activities until the cooler times including dawn and dusk.
3. Make sure you have proper sun protection – sunscreen, hats and sunglasses. According to the National Weather Service, sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat. Wearing proper sunscreen protection for your skin type will help you build up a sun tolerance gradually.
4. Drink lots of fluids, regardless of your activity level. Water is the absolute best thing to drink if you are dehydrated. Large amounts of sugar, caffeine or alcohol can actually cause your body to lose more fluid.
5. Once you start feeling thirsty, you are already behind. In fact, as your body gets dehydrated, you feel less thirsty. When drinking fluids, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
6. Dehydration symptoms include dizziness, nausea, flushed skin and extreme sweating. If these signs occur, get out of the sun, rest, and slowly rehydrate. When in doubt, seek medical attention.
7. Use a buddy system when working in the heat. Check in every 20 minutes with your buddy for a water break. Do not hesitate to call out any signs of heat illness you or your buddy may be experiencing.
8. During a heat wave, check in on elderly people at least twice a day because they are the most vulnerable during these times. Make sure they are spending more time in air-conditioned places such as a library, store or other location.
9. Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing. This allows sweat to evaporate and will help reflect the heat and sunlight.
10. If you believe someone is experiencing heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately (symptoms include: high temperature, hot dry skin, rapid pulse, nausea, lack of sweating, severe headache, dizziness.)
First Choice Emergency Room is the nation’s leading freestanding emergency room system and serves local communities across Texas. Its facilities are innovative, freestanding and fully equipped emergency rooms with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology (CT Scanners, Ultrasound, Digital X-ray) and on-site labs. With five locations in Dallas, Plano residents are accommodated by the conveniently located facility on Preston Road.