“ Being outside is a good idea . Your body needs the Vitamin D that it makes from sunlight . And of course fresh air is always good for mental health , plus the sunlight helps with depression .”
Dr . Michelle Pike-Hough , an Emergency Medicine physician at Rush Foundation Hospital
Fashions
&
Fabrics
Fabrics , notions , beads and beading supplies , andmoccasins . 466 W . Beacon St . Philadelphia , MS 39350
( 601 ) 656-6122
YOUR HEALTH
shoes don ’ t fit , just slight swelling .” The condition usually goes away within a few days . Pike-Hough suggest wearing compression stockings and elevating the feet .
• Heat cramps are muscle cramps or spasms which usually occur in the calves , sides of the shoulders or even arms and legs . The condition is prevalent among those who sweat a lot during physical exertion .
“ This can occur when you go outside and push mow your yard in the middle of the day in the heat and you ’ re used to being in air conditioning ,” Pike-Hough said .
The condition usually resolves once the individual moves to a cooler climate ( in the shade or a cool building ). Also , drink plenty of fluids , especially salt-replacement drinks such as Gatorade or Pedialyte . Avoid alcohol or caffeine .
• Heat stress or exhaustion is a warning that the body can no longer keep itself cool . It usually happens when someone not used to working outside in the heat over exerts themselves .
“ They may feel thirsty , or experience nausea , vomiting , headache , feel tired or even dizzy ,” Pike-Hough said . “ There may be a normal temperature or a slight fever below 104 degrees .”
Treatment includes consuming salt-replacement drinks . If medical assistance is necessary , the patient is often given fluids and cooled with a fan to lower temperature . Pike-Hough noted electrolyte imbalances are rare , but can occur and are treated as needed .
• Heat stroke is the most dangerous risk of heat exposure and can be life threatening . Immediate medical assistance is required . Heat stroke occurs when body temperature is above 104 degrees . Symptoms are the same as heat stress , plus behavior changes ( confusion , agitation , grouchiness or acting strangely ), staggering , fainting and seizures .
Unlike with heat cramps or heat stress , individuals experiencing heat stroke do not sweat .
“ They usually will stop sweating because they are so hot . That ’ s severe and they need to go to the emergency room ,” Pike-Hough said . How can you lower your risk for heat-related illnesses ? First , avoid being outdoors during the “ danger zone ” or mid-day — from 11 a . m . -4 p . m . “ That ’ s when the sun ’ s rays are the most direct ,” Pike-
Hough said .
Early morning and late afternoon are the best times of the day to be outdoors and active , while still enjoying the benefits of fresh air and sunlight .
Drink plenty of fluids , especially water and salt-replacement fluids . And notice the signs of heat distress .
“ If you experience any of them , stop working or doing any outside activity and go inside and cool down ,” she said .
Pike-Hough also advises having your home ’ s air conditioning unit checked before temperatures begin to rise .
“ A lot of times we see folks , particularly the elderly , who have heat stress symptoms while inside their home , and it ’ s because their air conditioner is not working ,” she said .
Pike-Hough also suggests having a safe place to go if your home ’ s air conditioner is not working , or while it is being repaired . T
• 33