If you spend more time outside in the Houston summer, it’s important that you focus on protecting yourself from getting sick from the heat at Princeton. Whatever you are doing, you need to make sure you don’t deprive yourself of water or time in the shade if you want to stay safe from the sun. Princeton health services suggests you take the following steps to avoid heat-related health issues:
You must make sure you drink enough water in the heat of the summer, and you need to stay away from dehydrating beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol if you want to play it safe. You should avoid exercising when the sun is at its hottest in the afternoon. If you’re working and under the sun for any length of time, you should stop what you’re doing and rest in air conditioning, inside of a building, or in a shady area. Dress appropriately by wearing clothes that are light in color and weight. When you are indoors, try not to cook in your oven or on your stove as doing so will make the room you’re in hotter. Hop in the shower and use fairly cold water to cool yourself off if the heat is bothering you. It is also recommended that you listen to the news for safety broadcasts. Lastly, keep the people you know in mind, and make sure they are okay when the heat is unbearable by checking in on them.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the symptoms associated with illness caused by the heat include a heat rash, cramps, exhaustion, and heatstroke.
A rash caused by the heat can be remedied by moving the person with a heat rash to a well-ventilated and cool place. Cramps resulting from excessive sweating can be treated by hydrating the person, having him or her rest, and placing this person where it’s cool.
Heat exhaustion may require a trip to the emergency room. It results when someone loses an excessive amount of water and salt, and its symptoms are skin that is cool to the touch and moist. Upset stomach, head pain, feeling dizzy and weak and an accelerated heartbeat are symptoms as well. Lying down where it’s cool, drinking plenty of water and applying cold packs can help, but if these measures don’t improve the condition, an emergency room visit is necessary.
Heatstroke will likely require a trip to the emergency room. Signs to look for when someone has heatstroke include skin that feels hot when you touch it, cessation of sweating that suddenly occurs, confusion, fainting and seizures. The person experiencing heat stroke should be placed in the shade, where it’s cool. Cold packs should be applied, and clothing should be moistened with water. If the person is awake, he or she should be encouraged to drink water.