PENNSYLVANIA, USA — As the outside temperature continues to climb, so does the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Prolonged exposure to extreme outdoor temperatures can be a serious health threat, especially for older adults and young children.
Doctors with Patient First offered the following tips to avoid a heat-related illness:
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 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 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 multiple health problems, including heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include:
Profuse sweating
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Rapid heartbeat
Skin that feels cool and moist
Muscle cramps
If someone appears to be suffering from heat exhaustion, apply cool wet cloths to their body and give them cool water to drink.
If the individual vomits or refuses to drink, call 911. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.