How to Beat the Heat

By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy flickr

Is it hot enough for you?  Even though we aren’t yet out of May, the temperature has suddenly started acting like it’s August.  With the forecast for the rest of the week being in the upper 90’s, I thought it a good idea to give you a few tips to help you deal with the heat.  Aside from the discomfort all of us will have to endure if we venture outside for more than a few minutes, there are also many dangers that come from being overheated. 

Hell Hath No Fury

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two avoidable conditions that come from getting overheated. No sooner do you step from an air-conditioned home, office or car when sweat begins to bead on exposed skin.  This is the body’s first reaction to dealing with the heat.  The problem is, depending on the ambient temperature and the duration of exposure, sooner or later your body is going to exceed its ability to regulate the core temperature.  When that happens, heat stress begins to set in as the body slides down the slippery slope toward a crisis.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion

What’s even worse is that no two people deal with heat stress the same way.  While you may feel just fine, your child, parent or significant other may be beyond the point where heat stress turns into heat exhaustion.  The early signs that the body is reaching its limits are such things as excessive sweating, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, faintness, dizziness, and/or fatigue.  If you or anyone you know should experience these signs, it’s time to allow them to cool down and rehydrate.  That means putting down that tennis racket or golf club and heading for the nearest air-conditioned structure or shady spot.  Sit down, wet a towel if you have one and drape it around their neck.  The evaporation will help cool the blood coursing through the carotid artery.  Have them sip, not guzzle, some water and wait until the crisis passes and their heartbeat slows.  Then call it a day and head home.  Do NOT resume strenuous physical activity.  It’s not worth a trip to the ER to press onto the back nine.  You can always pick up where you left off in a few days. (The American Medical Association recommends you take at least a week off from any strenuous physical activities if you should experience heat exhaustion.)

It’s Not Just the Heat

Image courtesy wikimedia

You’ve heard the old adage, “It ain’t the heat.  It’s the humidity.”  Well, there’s wisdom in that little ditty.  That’s because high humidity prevents sweat from evaporating.  Humidity can hinder the body from cooling itself.  It also restricts the amount of time you should stay outside during the heat of the day.  Since the Sunshine State is one of the most humid states in the Union during the months of June, July and August, it would behoove you to factor in the humiture before you set out for that 5K run.  If you insist on working out in the great outdoors during the summer months, you’re much better off relegating your physical activities to either the early morning or after sunset when the temperature abates somewhat.

Beyond the Point of No Return

The real danger is that heat stress can quickly turn into heat stroke, which can prove fatal.  Unlike heat exhaustion, heat stroke is a much more serious condition.  One of the first signs is a lack of sweating.  This is a sure sign that the body has reached the red line.  Another is an inordinately high skin temperature, shortness of breath, and disorientation or seizure.  The reason the condition is called heat stroke is because the symptoms mimic those of a stroke as the brain begins to cook from the inside out as the core temperature soars to 104 degrees or higher.  If action isn’t taken immediately, the next phase of the condition is collapse followed by death. 

If you suspect that someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911 immediately.  While you wait for the paramedics to show up, move the victim into an air-conditioned building or vehicle if possible.  If none are nearby, move them into the shade, have them lie flat on their back and loosen their clothing.  If you have water with you, wet a towel or shirt to drape around the victim’s neck, or wet a hat and place it atop their head to help the body cool down.  Elevate their feet and legs.  Fan air over the victim with whatever you have handy.  The trick is to do what you can to lower their body temperature. 

Health Hazards

Image courtesy AETC

Aside from the fact that the very young and the very old are more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, there are a number of health hazards that need to be avoided during the dog days of summer.  If the air conditioning in your home, office or vehicle should go on the fritz, seek shelter someplace cool.  The worst thing to do is to tough it out while waiting for the HVAC repairman to arrive only to have him find you face down.  If your car AC isn’t working, it’s better to do your shopping early in the morning or to call Uber than to wind up stuck in traffic sweltering.  That goes doubly if you have young children or an elderly parent riding along with you.  Even dogs can succumb if left in a hot car too long.  Unlike people, dogs don’t sweat.  They pant to keep cool.  While I have known people to break a car window to save a child left in a hot car, I would be just as likely to break into a vehicle to rescue a pet that someone has left while they get their groceries. The temperature inside a closed vehicle can quickly reach 150 degrees, which could prove fatal. 

Use Common Sense

The truth is that many people who experience heat exhaustion or heat stroke could have easily avoided either condition if they had just used a little common sense.  If you must be out and about during the heat of the day, make sure you dress appropriately.  While that tank top and short shorts may look fetching, it does little to help your body keep cool.  Lightweight loose clothing that allows your sweat to work its magic is a must, as is a hat with a wide brim.  Carry and drink plenty of water or Gatorade.  Aside from moisture, the heat depletes your body of needed electrolytes.  Gatorade was developed by athletes who recognized the need for a drink that helped the body keep humming along under the most strenuous of conditions.  Last but not least, never leave any child or pet unattended in a car during the summer for even a few minutes.  If you want to beat the heat this summer, the best thing you can do is to exercise a little common sense and adjust your workout routine to avoid the hours when the Sun is at its hottest.  You’ll not only avoid heat stress but keep from getting a nasty sunburn as well.

Catherine Powell is the owner of A Plus All Florida, Insurance in Orange Park, Florida.  To find out more about saving money on your  home insurance, check out her website at http://homeownersinsuranceorangeparkfl.com/