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WHAT TO DO
WHEN A HEAT WAVE STRIKES
- Increase Your Intake of Non-Alcoholic, Non-Carbonated,
Caffeine Free Beverages Such as Water and Juice.
- Wear Clothing
That is Light in Color and Loose Fitting.
- Avoid The
Outdoors During Extreme Heat. Stay Out of the Sun.
- Stay in an
Air-Conditioned Environment if Possible. Shopping Malls Offer Relief if
Your Home is not Air-Conditioned.
- Check On The
Elderly. They are Especially Susceptible to Heat Related Illness.
- Eliminate
Strenuous Activity Such as Running, Biking and Lawn Care Work When it
Heats Up.
- Eat Less
Foods That Increase Metabolic Activity/Heat. Proteins are an Example.
Increased Metabolic Heat Increases Water Loss.
HEAT RELATED
ILLNESSES AND THEIR SYMPTOMS
SUNBURN - Redness and
pain in the skin. In severe cases there is also swelling, blisters, fever,
and headaches.
HEAT CRAMPS - Heavy sweating
and painful spasms usually in the leg or abdomen muscles.
HEAT EXHAUSTION - The person
becomes weak and is sweating heavily. The skin is cold, pale and clammy.
The pulse becomes thready. Fainting and vomiting accompanies heat
exhaustion.
HEATSTROKE/SUNSTROKE - High
body temperature (106 degrees or higher) along with hot dry skin and a
rapid and strong pulse. Unconsciousness is possible.
Source: National Weather
Service |