It's Gettin' Hot in Here, So Take Off All Your...

     No Fam...  Don't do it!  Please do not take off ALL your clothes.  Yes, we are in the middle of a summertime heat wave, but taking ALL our clothes off is probably not the best answer to help keep us cool and safe.  A heat wave is an extended period of time, usually 2 or more days, with excessive heat, that is usually at least 10 degrees or more above the average and most times is combined with excessive humidity.  The reality is, according to the Red Cross, excessive heat has caused more deaths than any other weather event.  Since most of us have access to the reports of weather via the television, radio, or online media, we should be aware of when a heat wave is coming and when we are in the midst of one. 




     The people most affected by extreme heat are the elderly and young children, and then there is the population of people with heart and breathing issues.  Although, rarely mentioned, there is the population of folks who work outdoors.  You must take care to keep yourself as cool as possible.  You can do this by :
    

Drink lots of fluids , specifically water.  Eliminate drinks that have caffeine, carbonation, and alcohol. Don't be afraid to drink all during the day.  Do not wait to become thirsty before you drink.

If you are doing major sweating because you are exercising or working outside in the heat, try drinking sports drinks to help replenish the electrolytes that you have lost.

 During a heat wave is not the time to wear tight fitting clothes.  Wear loose fitting, light weight clothing.  Preferably cotton.  Do no walk around in that new silk shirt.  You want some air to circulate.

Schedule your outdoor activities early in the morning or in the evening, when the sun and hopefully the heat are at their lowest.

When the sun is out, use sunscreen, no matter what your ethnic group is.  You want to avoid sunburn.   You can lose fluid through your skin if you get a burn. Don't be afraid to wear a hat for protection from the beaming sun.

 If you work outdoors, try to take breaks more than usual to give yourself relief from the heat.

 Eat smaller meals more often.  Your body produces more heat when a larger meal is consumed.

     The worse scenario for any of us in this heat is heatstroke.  If this happens to you, you must seek medical attention immediately.  Heat stroke symptoms include the following and may also include seizures and loss of unconsciousness:

• High body temperature
• Altered mental status or strange behavior
• You will stop sweating and your skin will feel dry.
• Nausea and vomiting/loss of appetite
• Flushed skin.  Your skin may turn red (people of lighter complexions) as your body temperature increases.
• Increased heart rate
• Headache/lightheadedness
• Muscle cramps/weakness

     All I want you to do Fam is do your best to stay cool, stay hydrated, and avoid any unnecessary outdoor activity during the height of this heat wave.  For all you animal lovers, take of them as well.  They need to stay cool too!!!