Source: TapInto.net Chatam NJ
The National Weather Service has issued a “heat advisory” when the combination of heat and humidity is expected to make it feel like it is 95 to 99 degrees for two or more consecutive days, or 100 to 104 degrees for any length of time.” Here are some tips to avoid Heat Exhaustion from Atlantic Health:
Older people, those struggling with health issues and young children are most susceptible to heat exhaustion as well as athletes who wear helmets and heavy uniforms during summer practices. But everyone needs to be aware of the symptoms to protect themselves and those around them.
The Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion can include:
Dizziness
Cold skin
Headache
Muscle cramps
Weakness
The Symptoms of Heat Stroke can include:
Lack of sweat
High fever
Nausea
Confusion
Irrational behavior
When not properly addressed, heat exhaustion can develop into heat stroke, a condition where the body is simply unable to cool itself and begins to shut down.
Dr. Michael Weinrauch urges people to acclimate to the season and to practice common sense when spending time in the sun. He also says it is critical to recognize when someone is in crisis. “The summer heat and humidity sneak up on us and it is important to know how to respond if you suspect a person is suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.”
According to Dr. Matthew Martinez, treatment for heat exhaustion involves stopping activity, moving the person to a cooler, shaded location, and providing cold water until the symptoms decline. If a person’s condition worsens, and symptoms of heat stroke emerge, it is important to get the person as cool as possible and to contact medical professionals. They will likely begin IV therapy to quickly hydrate the person and cool the body.
Interior vehicle temperatures can climb 20 degrees in roughly 10 minutes and on an average 80 degree day, can become deadly (109°F) in 20 minutes. Cracking windows is not enough to combat the rise in temperatures.
The American Automobile Association has issued a warning about hot car risks associated with the high temperatures, as these temperatures increase the risk of heatstroke death, particularly in children and pets. On average, 38 children die in hot cars each year and there have been at least 10 pediatric heatstroke deaths in 2022, according to a press release.
These fatalities are often caused by one of three scenarios: knowingly leaving the child in the car, forgetting a child is in the car (usually due to a change in routine), or if a child climbs into a car without an adult’s knowledge.