Helpful Tips

Hot Weather Tips

Summer can be a time of fun in the sun for most, however there are several types of heat related emergencies to watch out for.

Heat Exhaustion occurs when a person cannnot sweat enough to cool their body. It usually occurs when a person is working or exercising in hot weather, sweats alot, and does not drink enough liquids to replace those lost fluids.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include: fatigue, weakness, headache, dizziness, nausea, cool, pale, moist skin. A person will not have an altered mental status, but may faint.

Treatment of heat exhaustion can usually be handled at home. Immediately stop activity and take the person into a cool, dry, place. Have the person rest with their legs elevated. Apply cool towels to the persons skin. Have the person drink a cool, non-alcoholic beverage. Seek medical treatment if symptoms are severe, persist even after cooling, or the person as significant medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Heat Stroke occurs when the body fails to regulate its own temperature and body temperature continues to rise.

Symptoms of heat stroke include: unconsciousness, confusion, rstlessness, seizures, difficulty breathing, fast heart rate, sweating may be heavy or may stop completely, red, hot, dry skin, hallucinations, aggressiveness, muscle twitches, headache.

Treatment of heat stroke: HEAT STROKE IS A LIFE THREATENING EMERGENCY! 911 should be called immediately if heat stroke is suspected. While waiting for help you can attempt to cool the person by taking the person into a cool, dry place and giving them a cool, non-alcoholic drink. You can try to wet the patient with towels or a shower.

Risk Factors for both heat exhaustion and heat stroke include age: babies and elderly people are at greater risk, Obesity, wearing heavy sports equipment, drinking alcohol, using drugs, some prescription medications which make you more sensitive to heat or sunlight, history of prior heat related illness, and previous medical conditions such as high blood pressure.

Always remember to drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages especially water during hot weather or increased activity. If you feel yourself becoming overheated, get to a cool, dry place and rest. If you or someone you know ever display the symptoms listed above, call 911 immediately.

Allergy Tips

Don’t wait until it gets worse!
Call your doctor if you are experiencing the following:

• Hives that came on suddenly and cover all or most of your body.
• A feeling of swelling in the mouth or throat causing difficulty in breathing.
• Wheezing and/or mild difficulty breathing.
• Hives and/or burning at the location of a recent tattoo.