Summer heat coming fast, know how to handle it

By Bob Burns
Mail

Summer begins on the calendar in just a few days, but it is easy to feel it coming by just stepping outside. The heat is on.

Those who have been in Arizona know this is no surprise, but staying healthy in temperatures that will not drop below 80 degrees for weeks requires some planning and thought.

Fountain Hills Fire Department is ready to respond and help those who find themselves overwhelmed by the hot conditions, according to Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Mike Winters.

“We receive heat-related calls from people working in their yard, exercising in the heat and from people on our local trails who have not adequately prepared for the intense summer heat,” Winters said. “Beat the heat by working or recreating outdoors in the early part of the day when it’s the coolest.”

There are a variety of other tips to help get through the summer.

*Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.

*Take cool showers or baths.

*Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

*Use the oven less to help reduce the temperature inside the home.

*If outside, look for shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect the face.

*Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid sugary drinks, alcohol, and caffeine.

*Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible.

*Check on family members, older adults and neighbors.

*Consider pet safety by bringing pets inside. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to a pet’s feet.

*Heat waves may lead to a loss of power. Be prepared by having a plan.

*Watch for heat-related illnesses.

Heat illness

Heat exhaustion can occur with exposure to high temperatures, often during physical activity. When the body overheats, often caused by an excessive loss of water and salt (usually through sweating), heat exhaustion can set in.

When left untreated, complications from heat exhaustion can lead to serious consequences including organ damage or death. Because of this potential severity, it’s important to get checked at the emergency room. Medical professionals say people should be alert to symptoms they might experience including the following when sweating and/or in a warm or hot environment and should call 911:

*Nausea

*Headache

*Dizziness

*Weakness

*Irritability

*Elevated body temperature

*Decreased urination

*Weak, rapid pulse

*Cold, pale and clammy skin

*Fainting

There are a few conditions that can make someone more susceptible to heat exhaustion or other heat-related illnesses. These conditions include old age, having a sunburn or fever, obesity, heart disease, poor circulation, and drug or alcohol use.

However, with a few simple considerations, heat-related illnesses can be prevented while still enjoying favorite activities. Here are a few tips for staying safe and healthy during warm weather activities:

*Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Since sweating rids the body of needed salts and minerals, hydrating with sports drinks containing electrolytes and with water is recommended. Electrolytes can include the essential minerals of calcium, sodium, phosphate, potassium, magnesium and chloride. It can take less than an hour for the body to start losing electrolytes in warm environments, which are needed for the body’s systems to remain working properly. Because caffeine can cause dehydration, avoid caffeinated beverages.

*Be choosy about the time of activities. Avoid midday or afternoon outdoor activities and be sure to allow time for incremented rest in shade or in air-conditioned areas.

*Grab a friend. Because heat-related illnesses can cause disorientation, fatigue or dizziness, one may not be the best judge of whether they need to seek medical help or when they need to take a break. Two people can serve as awareness accountability partners, providing each other with reminders to use sunscreen, rest, drink fluids or take a snack break.

*Take it easy. If starting a new exercise or trying to ramp up activity level, be sure to take it slow in warm weather. If the activity makes the heart beat faster or harder than normal, or affects the ability to take a full breath, find a cool area and rest.

An individual’s medical professional can answer heat exhaustion questions and provide some ideas for spring and summer activities that can keep one active and healthy. With a few precautions, heat-related illnesses in Fountain Hills can be avoided, even as the thermometer continues to climb.

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