Take precautions before heading outdoors in warm weather

After one of the wettest springs in the history of Northeast Ohio, the sun is finally shining!! In fact, there have been a few days this past week that have been downright hot. But, hey, no complaints here!

The warm weather provides an excellent opportunity for everyone to get outside, increase their activity, and have some fun. But being outdoors in hot weather can be dangerous if we don’t take the right precautions.

Preventing heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

Those that are at the highest risk are infants and children up to 4 years old and people 65 and older. People who are overweight or who are ill are also at a higher risk.

According to the Ohio Department of Health, the best way to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke is to drink plenty of fluids, avoiding alcohol and caffeine because they tend to dehydrate the body and increase the effects of heat illness. It’s also important to avoid outdoor chores and activities during the hottest parts of the day, which is normally in the mid- to late afternoon hours.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Heavy sweating                      
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or fainting

Treatment:

The best thing to do is to cool off as soon as possible by getting into a cool environment and drinking a cool, non-alcoholic beverage. You can also take a cool bath or shower.

Note: If heat exhaustion goes untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.  If you suspect heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately, especially if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure.

Sun protection

Skin cancer is the most-commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States; it accounts for about half of all cancers in the United States. Here are some helpful tips to protect you from the sun:

• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
• Seek shade whenever possible.
• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as well as UVA and UVB protection.
• Re-apply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming, perspiring heavily or drying skin with a towel.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.