MercyOne Genesis Urges Heat Safety During the Fourth of July Holiday
The forecast for the week leading into the July 4 holiday and the John Deere Classic calls for an extended stretch of hot and humid weather.
Here are some essential tips from MercyOne Genesis Medical Center Emergency Medicine Medical DirectorMichael Craddick, D.O., to help people protect themselves from the dangers of heat exhaustion.
Avoid heat and direct sunlight when possible. The young and elderly are especially vulnerable. People with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, mental health issues, asthma, and high blood pressure, are also at increased risk for heat-related illnesses.
Make sure you don’t leave small children or pets in a vehicle. Temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. One tip is to place something important to your day, like a phone, shoe, or work materials, in the back seat with a child. Newer vehicles now include warnings to remind you to check the back seats.
Eat smaller meals but eat more frequently.
Check on elderly, sick, and vulnerable friends, neighbors, and relatives several times a day during a hot spell.
Drink plenty of water, especially when exercising or working outdoors. A good rule is to drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during outdoor activities.
When possible, complete outdoor work either early in the day or late in the day.
Take a phone if you walk, jog, or bike ride. If you get into trouble, call for help.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks. Both act as diuretics, speeding up the loss of fluid.
Ensure children take regular breaks from outdoor activities. Take a break from outside activity during the hottest part of the day to play games or watch a movie together inside.
Take care of your skin if you are outdoors. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when swimming.
Seek shade or air conditioning if you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous.
Seek medical treatment immediately if you are disoriented, have a high body temperature, are vomiting, or have stopped sweating.
What to Watch For
Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. If you experience the following symptoms, move to a cooler place, drink water, and use cool, wet cloths, compresses, and fanning. You may also need to seek medical attention:
Heavy sweating with cool, moist/clammy skin
Dizziness and light-headedness
Nausea and vomiting
Headaches and/or weakness
Dark urine
Heat stroke is an emergency. If you experience any of the following, apply cool water to your skin immediately and seek medical attention by calling 911 or visiting your nearest emergency department.
High fever (temperature above 104 F)
Hot, dry, red skin without sweating
Pounding pulse
Rapid shallow breathing
Nausea and/or vomiting
Extreme confusion or dizziness
Unconsciousness or seizures