As the heat and humidity rises, so does the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can be a real health threat, especially for older people and young children.
How can you avoid heat-related illnesses?
- Wear light-weight, light colored clothing made of breathable material, like cotton.
- Cover up when you can with long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Hats are fine, but remember baseball caps won’t protect your ears and neck from the sun.
- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, even when it is cloudy. Reapply at least every two hours.
- Avoid uninterrupted sun exposure between 10am and 4pm whenever possible.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day.
- Avoid strenuous outdoor activity on hot days.
- If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in a cool place.
- Air-conditioning is the best way to protect against heat-related illness. If you do not have air-conditioning at home during extreme heat. Try to spend time in air-conditioned locations such as a shopping mall, public library, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelter in your area.
Excessive heat can cause several health problems including heat exhaustion. Symptoms include:
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Skin that feels cool and moist
- Muscle cramps.
Move this person to a cooler location, apply cool wet cloths to their body, and give them cool water to drink. If the person vomits or refuses to drink, call 9-1-1. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.
Patient First physicians are available to speak about heat-related health issues. Please contact Victoria Soriano at (703) 789-2907 or email [email protected] for in-person or virtual Zoom interviews
