Heat Related Illnesses and 10 Tips to Avoid Them

June 26, 3:41 PMHouston Family ExaminerLisa Carey

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 With this weekend’s heat advisory in Houston and many other parts of the country, and temperatures of over 100 it is no surprise that even the most experienced at handling the heat would have problems this week. In North West Houston, a lifeguard became unconscious, at first it was thought to have occurred due to dehydration but later it was determined to be heat stroke. The fast thinking and actions of another lifeguard on duty may have saved this person’s life.

Credit: Lisa Carey/Fun in the sun but stay in the shade

As families start preparing for the weekend and upcoming 4th of July celebrations it is important to be aware of the physical toil extreme heat can take on our bodies, and most especially to our children and pets.

Dangerous Heat Related Conditions: 

Sunburns: We all have experienced mild sunburns, but sunburn can actually be as serious as 2nd degree burns if not enough protection is taken. Symptoms of severe sunburn include blisters, peeling skin, and open sores. 

Heat Cramps: muscular pains and spasms due to exertion in extreme heat that usually occur in the abdomen or legs.

Heat Exhaustion: While not as dangerous as heat stroke, heat exhaustion sweat does not evaporate as it should, normally due to too many layers of clothing or too warm clothing. As a result the body does not cool properly. Symptoms include: heavy sweating, cool, moist, and pale skin, nausea, vomiting and exhaustion.

Heat Stroke: Also known as sun stroke, this condition is life threatening. The body’s normal ability to control its temperature no longer works and the body heat rises. This condition can cause high enough temperatures to cause brain damage and even death. Symptoms include: rapid, weak pulse, hot, red, and dry skin, unconsciousness and shallow breathing.

Dehydration: When our body looses more water than it is being replaced with. As a result our bodies may also lose salt. The loss of both causes an imbalance and may even in severe cases causes’ death. Symptoms include: increased thirst, sluggishness, weakness, dizziness, dry mouth and even decreased urine output.

Should you or someone you love be experiencing these symptoms immediate action should be taken. Get them into the shade, provide fluids and contact your physician or emergency services. But, more importantly try to avoid these heat related health dangers long before they occur using these stay healthy in the heat tips.

Ten Tips to Avoid Health Related Dangers:

1. Dress appropriately, if you need to wear long sleeves or clothing that is more modest or covering in nature use sheers and lightweight fabrics. Broad brimmed light color hats can help protect your head and face. 

2. Drink lots of water. Add lemon to it or any other flavor that appeals to you, PUR Home Water Filters offer flavor packs and you can purchased flavored waters. 

3. Drink fluid replacements with electrolytes such as Gatorade and avoid sodas. 

4. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. 

5. Use SPF sunscreen of 40 or higher. 

6. Eat many small meals instead of three meals a day. This makes it easier for your body to metabolize the foods and use less energy. 

7. Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. 

8. Take regular breaks. If working outdoors be sure to take time to sit in the shade frequently and return your body to its normal temperature. 

9. Avoid taking your children or pets out in the hottest part of the day. 

10. NEVER ever leave a pet or child in the car.

Many of these seem like common sense, and most you have heard before. But sometimes a little tap on the shoulder with a reminder helps us keep it in mind during these busy hot summer days. Remember the elderly, children and pets are more vulnerable to the heat so extra precautions should be taken to protect them as well as everyone else in your family.