Hydration and frequent breaks from strenuous activity are the best ways to combat the effects of heat. Children and older adults are at a higher risk, and some other factors that enhance the effects of heat are: obesity, fever, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, prescription drugs, and alcohol use. In these hot summer months, it is important to be aware of when to take those breaks and when your body has just had enough. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are two heat-related illnesses that can lead to heat stroke. Heat stroke, untreated, can lead to death. It is so important to take cues early and seek medical attention if you or a friend begins to experience any of the following symptoms:
- Painful Muscle Cramps/Heavy Sweating
- Weakness/Dizziness/Fainting
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Altered Mental State
- Excessively Weak or Rapid Pulse
- Unconsciousness
There are many other reasons to be mindful of hot summer days, including sunburn! Did you know that sunburn actually hurts your body's ability to remove excess heat? So, not protecting yourself from harmful UV rays will increase your chance of skin cancer AND make you feel hotter in this already blistering heat! Who wants that? Not me! The best ways to protect from sunburn are applying sunscreen often and making use of shady spots.
Below is your forecast for today's UV Index. We're looking pretty high across the the Southeast, so be careful out there and wear lots of sunscreen!
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