Too Hot to Trot

      Good morning, Fam...  Many parts of this country are having a heatwave.  Today it's supposed to be about 103 degrees in my hometown.  Why the overkill?  I already know it's summer.  Oh well, Mother Nature is doing her thing so WE have to take heed.  We have to avoid getting overheated which could lead to heat exhaustion.  We need to know the signs of heat exhaustion so that we do not continue status quo and wind up with life threatening heat stroke which can damage vital organs in our body and our brain. 
     Heat exhaustion involves symptoms that include confusion, profuse sweating, rapid heartbeat and your skin feeling cool and moist with goosebumps when you are in the heat.  Heat exhaustion comes in 2 forms.  There is heat exhaustion that involves the loss of too much water.  If that happens, in addition to the previously mentioned symptoms you may experience excessive thirst, headache, feeling weak or faint, and you could even lose consciousness.  The other form of exhaustion involves your body losing salt (electroltyes).  With that you may also feel dizzy, and experience nausea and vomiting, and have muscle cramps. 
     Heat exhaustion happens when we exercise or play in hot, humid places and the body dehydrates and overheats.  When you lose your body's water and salt and it's not replaced with adequate fluids, the process of heat exhaustion begins.  Heat stroke happens when you have exceeded the heat exhaustion mode and your body can no longer cool itself, causing the body's internal temperature to rise.  Yes, you are cooking from the inside out.
     Infants, children under 4, the elderly, people who are obese, people taking medications for blood pressure and heart problems, tranquilizers, antihistimines, as well as amphetamines seem to be more at risk to experience heat exhaustion.  Many times you read about athletes having these problems as well.  It's because they are involved in strenuous activity in the hot, humid environment.  Everyone has a point of exhaustion.
     If you think you or someone you know is experiencing heat stroke, first and foremost, get to a cool place, stop whatever activity you are involved in, and drink some water or a sports drink. NO ALCOHOL.  A cold beer may sound good, but it can actually dehydrate you more.  Remove any unneccessary clothing.   If signs and symptoms don't improve within 30-60 minutes, get to a doctor.
     Drink plenty of fluids.  If it's too hot to trot outside, stay inside in a cool place.  For those that are having electrical issues or do not have that cool air, go to the mall, go to a friend's home that has the cool air.   Sitting in a hot house with fans blowing and the windows closed is like being in a convection oven.  The outcome will not be good.  Check on those family and friends that "don't like to turn on the air".  Stay cool, Family.  SMOOCHES...
(thanks to Mayoclinic.com, WebMD, emedicinehealth)