We have a difficult week ahead of us. With a heat wave spreading across the nation, the federal government is doing its best to assist state, regional, and local communities be ready for potential extreme heat occurrences.
Extreme heat spares no-one – our family, neighbors, and friends, they could all be affected. However, some age demographics are more vulnerable, such as the older citizens, children, outdoor workers, emergency responders, athletes, and low-income households.
In these conditions, day to day activities, like taking a walk with the kids or going for a jog, can turn into extremely dangerous events. The threat of extreme heat should be taken seriously by everyone, according to the federal authorities.
Being well prepared to respond to extreme heat means a significant reduction of the health risks to ourselves and our loved ones. A vast majority of recorded heat-related illnesses and deaths are easily preventable.
When communities are prepared, recognizing the early warning signs of exhaustion or heat stroke are easily spotted. That’s why we need to share the importance of practical solutions and resources in the face of these hot summer days.
First of all, children, elderly, and people suffering from chronic medical conditions are the most vulnerable to excessive heat. Those at risk should stay inside during the extremely hot hours of the day, and their caretakers should keep an eye for signs of heat exhaustion.
Some of the symptoms include pale skin, nausea, heavy sweating, cold, or vomiting. In cases of heat stroke, usual signs are fever, hot, red, dry or moist skin, or unconsciousness.
Infants and young children need special attention during heat waves due to the fact that their bodies are less efficient at regulating heat internally.
Secondly, make sure the temperature indoors is cool enough. Heat-related illness and death can be easily prevented with the help of air-conditioning, the number one protective factor.
If AC is not available at home, make sure you spend more time in locations with air-conditioning, such as public libraries, shopping malls, or heat-relief shelters.
Thirdly, and probably the most important of all, stay hydrated at all times. Regardless of your activity level, make sure you drink enough cool, nonalcoholic beverages, which will help you regulate your body temperature.
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