It is hot! It takes no genius to come to this conclusion. The question is what are you doing to beat the heat? Most of you may have figured out how to acclimate to this extreme heat and high humidity. Hydration is vital in these days. You should be drinking proper fluids, even when you do not want to. Keep in mind that you must drink them in order to prevent dehydration. Drinks containing caffeine are not helpful in keeping you hydrated. Water is the best, and sports drinks are helpful in moderation.
The progression of heat-related illnesses is heat cramps to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Heat cramps can occur simultaneously with heat exhaustion of heat stroke. Re-hydration is the key to overcoming heat cramps and heat exhaustion. The problem is that heat exhaustion can lead to nausea and vomiting, where re-hydration may have to be done intravenously. In fact, once a heat-related illness starts, hydration goes from being recommended to being critical. In addition, people experiencing heat exhaustion need to be moved from the hot environment to a cool one.
If heat exhaustion goes uncorrected, it can lead to a life-threatening situation known as heat stroke. The pertinent negative to heat stroke is the absence of sweating. This is a point where the core temperature begins to rise due to the body’s cooling mechanism not working. Again, this is a life-threatening situation that must be corrected immediately. Rapid internal and external cooling in the form of intravenous fluids and cold packs under the arms and in the groin area is vital. This is a true medical emergency, requiring an immediate call to 9-1-1. The person experiencing heat stroke is literally cooking on the inside and outside.
Those most affected by the heat are the elderly – especially those with medical issues – young children, and pets. It is important to check on your elderly neighbors and family members. Temperatures can change rapidly when air conditioning units stop working. It is extremely important to get units fixed as soon as possible or to purchase window units or fans. Concerning young children, they cannot handle heat extremes like an adult can. It is also important to remember that your pets are affected by extreme heat. The problem with young children or pets is that they cannot tell you when a problem exists.
I have talked about this, but it definitely bears repeating. You must not leave children or pets in a car for any period of time. Interior temperatures can reach 110-130 degrees Fahrenheitin no time. Legislators have been trying to write legislation that protects people who break a window in someone else’s car if a child or pet is found in a vehicle, especially on an extremely hot day. My belief is that you need to do the right thing and save the child or pet. Call 9-1-1, as you do what is necessary to help a child or pet. Doing the right thing in a timely fashion is vital to survival.
I will be glad when this heat wave is over. It will probably take some big storms to break it, so be ready for those as well. As long as it continues, keep yourself hydrated and take frequent breaks. Be sure to check on your elderly neighbors and family members; their lives may depend upon it. Watch out for your children and pets. Fall is right around the corner, but I am not ready for summer to end just yet. Be careful out there!
