How To Beat the Heat
Summer has ushered in scorching temperatures, and people of all ages need to take precautions to protect their health against the excessive heat. Extreme heat can be dangerous and deadly, so it’s important to reduce the likelihood of developing dehydration, sunburn and heat-related illnesses. Warm weather also increases the chances of getting insect bites and insect-borne diseases.
The sweltering temperatures can also impact vehicles, so drivers need to keep their automobiles in the best condition to avoid emergencies on the road. Here are some tips from AARP, AAA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on how to battle this summer’s extreme heat:
Protect Your Body From Heat-Related Illnesses:
Remain indoors to stay cool, especially during the hottest time of day, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Stay in air-conditioned spaces, but if your home doesn’t have air-conditioning or you need to avoid high energy bills, consider visiting air-conditioned buildings, such as your local library, senior center or shopping center. While electric fans can help circulate air, they don’t prevent heat-related illnesses.
Check the weather forecast so you can avoid doing outdoor activities, especially heavy labor, during extremely hot temperatures. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Stay hydrated and drink fluids regularly, especially water, even before you feel thirsty. Older adults are encouraged to drink water throughout the day.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics.
Eat lighter, smaller meals and prepare foods, such as salads or sandwiches, that don’t require heat from stovetops and ovens. Avoid using other appliances that produce heat, such as such as dishwashers and dryers.
Close curtains and blinds to keep the sun’s rays out of your home and reduce indoor temperatures.
Check on older family members, friends and neighbors to identify early warning signs of heat illnesses and save lives.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about how medications or chronic illness may affect your response to heat. For instance, diabetes can make a person less likely to sweat, so it’s harder for the body to cool down naturally. Also, some common medications for blood pressure, heart conditions or allergies can affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature and sweat.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses and Seek Help:
Heat-related illnesses include heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rash, rhabdomyolysis and heat syncope, according to the CDC.
Common signs of heat-related illnesses include hot, dry skin or profuse sweating, confusion, altered mental status, slurred speech, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability and thirst, the CDC reported. Pay attention to your body and recognize when it’s responding negatively to extreme heat.
Older adults and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for heat-related illnesses, so it’s critical for them to remain in air-conditioned areas during extreme heat. Workers exposed to excessive heat are also at higher risk of heat-related illnesses.
If someone is experiencing a heat-related illness, bring the person to a clinic or emergency room or call 911 in the case of an emergency. Move the person to a shaded, cooler area, and remove their outer clothing, including shoes and socks. Provide liquids to drink and use cold compresses to help them cool down, the CDC advises.
Guard Against Insects and Diseases in Summer Months:
As people spend more time outdoors, they’re exposed to insects that can cause serious disease. Ticks are found in tall grass, brush and on leaves. Tick bites, which can lead to Lyme disease and other illnesses, are on the rise across the Southeast. The CDC warns people to be careful outdoors in wooded areas or parks. Emergency room visits from tick bites have reached their highest level in almost a decade for this time of year.
To prevent tick bites, wear U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent, permethrin-treated clothing and long sleeves. Also, stay in open areas when hiking in the woods and avoid wearing perfume or cologne, medical experts recommend.
Examine your body for attached ticks and remove them as soon as possible with tweezers, using steady, even pressure (without twisting or jerking the tick) and being sure to remove the mouthparts along with the body. Don’t crush the tick with your fingers. After safely removing it, save the tick in a sealed bag or container, in case you need to evaluate your risk of exposure to tick-borne disease. Seek medical care immediately if you develop a rash or fever in the days or weeks following a bite, the CDC recommends.
Mosquitoes also carry diseases, such as West Nile Virus. In the Atlanta area, a mosquito trap recently caught a group of mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus, according to the Fulton County Board of Health. Homeowners are advised to empty containers holding standing water, trim overgrown grass and weeds, fix torn or damaged screens, and ensure doors and windows fit tightly. Also, cover exposed skin with an insect repellent containing DEET, avoid being outdoors around dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and wear long, loose-fitting clothing when outside. Seek medical attention for mosquito bites if you experience high fever, neck stiffness, muscle weakness, confusion or tremors, according to the CDC.
Perform Vehicle Maintenance to Avoid Roadside Emergencies:
Before hitting the road in summer heat, drivers should visit a trusted repair shop or perform their own preventative maintenance on their vehicle. They should make sure to test batteries, check tire pressure, check and top off fluids, and flush the coolant system. Here are some vehicle maintenance tips:
Batteries: Heat is the leading cause of battery failure, so it’s important to test the vehicle’s battery, especially if it’s three or more years old. Also, check batteries for tight, corrosion-free connections.
Tires: Tire pressure can fluctuate with hot pavement, putting drivers at increased risk of a blowout. Check for overinflated and underinflated tires.
Fluids: It’s critical to inspect and top off fluids, including oil, transmission fluid and coolant. To prevent vehicles from overheating, drivers should check hoses and belts for wear and tear.
Fuel: Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent vapor lock, which can occur in extreme temperatures.
Interior: To keep the vehicle cooler and protect the dashboard, use sunshades and park in shaded areas.
If a vehicle breaks down during extreme heat, drivers should:
Pull over and signal: Drivers in distress should pull as far off the road as possible and turn on their hazard lights. They can also lift the hood to indicate mechanical trouble or place warning triangles or flares behind their vehicle.
Remain in vehicle: To stay safe, drivers should remain in their vehicle with a buckled seatbelt. If needed, they should wait in the shade outside the vehicle.
Create an emergency kit: Before driving in extreme heat, create an emergency kit to store in your vehicle. The American Red Cross recommends having an emergency kit with the following items: emergency gear (flashlight and extra batteries, first aid kit, car cell phone charger), food (bottled water and nonperishable foods), car gear (maps, tire repair kit, pump, booster/jumper cables, flares and white distress flag), supplies for different seasons (shovel, scraper, blanket, sunscreen, shade items, etc.).
