How to beat the heat to stay safe this summer

Respect the dangers of extreme heat

High heat and humidity make it difficult for the human body to cool down efficiently. When internal body temperature rises too high, it leads to heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and heat exhaustion. This is especially dangerous for those with chronic medical conditions, like respiratory issues (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/COPD), heart diseases, diabetes, and kidney disease.

Look for the symptoms

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, and decreased urination. Those suspected of having heat exhaustion should be moved out of the sun and into cool air conditioning if possible. If the person appears to be getting worse, or becomes confused or faints, they may be experiencing heat stroke – a medical emergency when body temperature rises above 103 degrees. Call 911.

How to stay safe

According to the CDC, the best ways to protect yourself from heat are to stay cool, stay hydrated and stay informed. Follow these common-sense tips:

• Limit outdoor activities, especially at midday when the sun is the hottest.
• Pace your activities: start slowly and pick up speed gradually.
• Increase your water intake. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on your family, friends, and neighbors to make sure they are staying cool.
• Stay on top of the weather and check the news for updates on heat, health and safety.

Safeguard your lungs, too

Extreme heat also increases air pollution, particularly ground-level ozone pollution, or smog. It produces a condition that is like sunburn on lung tissue, which can lead to breathing problems and to serious, long-term health effects. Ozone is formed when gases from cars, factories and other sources react to heat and sunlight. Particle pollution – like the smoke from wildfires – is also a risk to anyone who spends time outside. This includes healthy people who work or exercise outside. The most vulnerable, however, include children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with lung diseases.

While hot weather is a natural part of a fun, activity-packed summer, stay vigilant during these dog days of summer to prevent adverse effects on your health.