Staying cool (and hydrated) when the heat is on

In June, Falcon firefighters responded to several emergency medical calls involving serious heat-related illnesses. These kinds of emergencies go beyond just being a little too warm or thirsty ñ- they can be life-threatening.Fortunately, heat exhaustion and the more severe heat stroke can usually be prevented. Staying hydrated and being mindful of outdoor activities go a long way toward staying healthy when temperatures rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mayo Clinic offer these tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Stay well-hydrated. Drinking fluids helps the body sweat and regulate its temperature but avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Stay indoors and in air-conditioned spaces when possible.
• Fans are good for circulating air but not for cooling off. Instead, take a cool shower or bath, or move to an air-conditioned place.Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. A looser fit allows the body to cool properly.
• NEVER leave people or pets in parked vehicles, even if the windows are open.

For those who must be out in the heat:

• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours when possible.
• Cut down on exercise and drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour during physical activities.
• Rest frequently in shady areas.Sunburn affects the bodyís ability to cool itself, so wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.

What to watch forIt is important to know how to identify the signs and symptoms of heat illness. Visitors from lower elevations, children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions can be particularly susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.Heat exhaustion can occur when the body fails to cool itself during hot weather and/or strenuous activity. Dehydration, alcohol use and wearing clothes that donít allow sweat to evaporate can cause heat exhaustion. Signs and symptoms may occur suddenly or develop over time. They include

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting or dizziness
• Headache

What to do for heat exhaustion:

• Move to a cooler location.
• Lie down and loosen clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible.
• Sip water.
• If vomiting occurs and persists, immediately seek medical attention.

Heat exhaustion can lead to the most serious form of heat injury: heat stroke. Left untreated, heat stroke can cause permanent damage to the brain, heart, kidneys and muscles. It can even lead to death. Signs and symptoms include

• High body temperature (above 104∞F)
• Altered mental state or behavior
• Hot, red, dry skin
• Rapid pulse and breathing
• Throbbing headache
• Possible unconsciousness

What to do for heat stroke:

• Call 911 immediately ó†this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Remove excess clothing.
• Cool the person with any means available (cool water; apply cold wet towels; place ice packs on the personís head, neck, groin and armpits).
• Do†NOT†give the person fluids.