It seems to happen to me every summer. I forget the dangers of being in the sun too long and I end up with some minor burns and heat exhaustion.
Heat exhaustion can be very dangerous, as can sunburns.The CDC estimates that 400 people die from heat stroke/exhaustion every year!
To avoid this summer danger, and still not miss out on the fun, make sure you take the following precautions.
Tips for Avoiding Heat Stroke
- STAY HYDRATED! Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty regularly throughout the day. Try to avoid drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages in large quantities on hot days.
- REST. Make sure you do not spend all day doing vigorous activity. You will sweat more and be more vulnerable to dehydration.
- STAY COOL by taking a cool shower or bath and don’t be afraid to get wet in pools and sprinklers.
- TRY TO STAY INSIDE as much as possible during the hotter part of the day, usually in the early evening. If you need to, find an air conditioned friend’s house or place of business to hang out in during this part of the day. If you need an excuse to go window shopping, this is it!
- WEAR LIGHT clothing and sunblock.
If you think you may be suffering from too much sun, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:
- Feeling faint or dizzy
- nausea
- clammy skin
- headache
- weakness and tiredness
- trouble breathing
- paleness
If you think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion, make sure you treat it to avoid heat stroke, which can be deadly. To treat, cool yourself rapidly. To do this, get in cool water or a cool shower and drink cool water. Do not drink alcohol and if your symptoms persist, get medical attention.
Although this article was written for humans, heat stroke can happen to animals as well. NEVER leave a dog or other animal in a hot car, even if the windows are cracked. It can get hot fast in a car, even if it is only 70 degrees outside and in the shade. Don’t believe me? Try sitting in a car in the heat with the windows cracked. You will be very uncomfortable very quickly the same as your animal. I promise your doggy doesn’t need to go for a ride in the car that bad. Leave Fido at home!
