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The sun promises to be brutal this summer. Are you ready?
Copper Area News
Summer is almost here (June 21) and with it comes the brutal heat that Arizona is known for. Yes, it may be a dry heat but it is still hot, darned hot!
The 100 plus degree temperatures will be starting this week and with it some harmful effects that can even be deadly. In Arizona over 2,000 people end up in the emergency room every year for treatment of heat related illnesses. These illnesses include sunburn, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death. Over 1,500 people in Arizona died from heat related illnesses between the years 2000-2012, over 100 each year!
Those people with the highest risk of suffering heat exhaustion include the elderly, young children (age 0-4), those with high blood pressure, those using alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit drugs and those people that work or exercise in a hot environment. Please do not leave a child or pet in your car unattended.
Sun Life Health Center has provided information to make the public aware of heat related illnesses and how to identify heat stroke and help prevent it. Their information follows:
The majority of heat-induced stress in Arizona usually occurs during outdoor activities. Help protect yourself and your family this summer from heat/sun stroke and dehydration with some basic precautionary measures:
Drink water: Individuals who are outdoors in the summer heat should drink 1-2 liters of water, and those doing strenuous activity should drink up to 4 liters. Avoid coffee or alcohol, which will dehydrate you.
Protect your skin: Always wear sun screen if you will be out under the sun for more than 20 minutes. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect the heat. Other options are hats or umbrellas.
Take it slow: Try to keep strenuous activity during the cool morning times (between 4-7am). If you are doing hard labor during the hottest times of the day, take frequent breaks in a shaded place to cool down.
Eat more, eat less: Eat smaller meals more often throughout the day. This keeps your energy up, but does not overwork your body. It’s advised to especially avoid protein (meat, sea food, eggs, dairy, beans) which can raise your body temperature as you digest it. Also it is wise to eat room temperature or raw foods so that your body does not have to work to keep your body temperature equilibrium.
Despite our best efforts, children and our elderly population are at most risk during the summer months. Knowing what to look for can help save lives. Signs of heatstroke are vomiting, mental confusion, throbbing head, decreased alertness, loss of consciousness, high body temperature (as high as 105 degrees), hot and dry reddish skin, a rapid and weak pulse, rapid, shallow breathing, and seizures. If a loved one begins to show these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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