health
Stay safe in extreme heat & humidity
by KRISTIN PATTEN , South Health District
Summer is in full swing across South Georgia and with temperatures this high , South Health District wants to encourage residents to take the proper precautions to avoid heat related illnesses . There are two types of heat related illness : heat stroke and heat exhaustion .
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature . Body temperatures may rise to 106 ° F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes . Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided . The warning signs of a heat stroke are an extremely high temperature , red , hot and dry skin , a rapid , strong pulse , throbbing headache , dizziness , nausea , confusion , and unconsciousness .
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and not consuming enough fluids . It is the body ’ s response to an excessive loss of the water and salt contained in sweat . The warning signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating , paleness , muscle cramps , tiredness , weakness , dizziness , headache , nausea or vomiting , and fainting .
“ High humidity alongside high temperatures effect the body ’ s ability to cool itself down ,” said Dr . William R . Grow , District Health Director . “ Our bodies rely on sweat evaporating quickly to cool us down , and that process slows in high humidity . That is why it is important to take steps to protect yourself .”
To protect your health when temperatures are high , remember the following tips :
• Stay indoors : If at all possible , stay indoors in an air-conditioned place . Electric fans may provide comfort , but when the temperature is extremely hot , fans
will not prevent heat related illness . Taking a cool shower or bath , or moving to an air-conditioned facility is a much better way to cool off . Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home .
• Drink plenty of fluids : Increase your fluid intake , regardless of your activity level . During heavy exercise in a hot environment , drink two to four glasses ( 16-32 ounces ) of cool fluids each hour . Don ’ t drink liquids that contain alcohol , or large amounts of sugar .
Also avoid very cold drinks , because they may cause stomach cramps .
• Wear appropriate clothing : Choose lightweight , light-colored , loose-fitting clothing . Also wear sunscreen , because sunburn affects your body ’ s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids . If you must go outdoors for work or play , wear a wide-brimmed hat along with sunglasses , and apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to protect yourself from the sun .
• Schedule outdoor activities carefully : If you must be outdoors , try to limit your activity to morning or evening hours , when the temperature is not at its highest . Try to stay in shady areas at all times .
• Do not leave children in cars : Even in cool temperatures , cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures very quickly . Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat related illness or even death . Never leave infants , children or pets in a parked car , even if the windows are cracked .
For more information on staying healthy and protecting yourself from extreme heat visit the CDC ’ s website at www . cdc . gov / extremeheat .
42 Valdosta Scene | August 2022