<\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWho’s At Risk<\/h2>\n\n\n\n When we look at the groups that are at highest risk for heat injury, they include the very young, the very old, people who are less fit, and those who partake in extreme sports for long periods. Additionally, people who are obese, have chronic medical conditions, who are on certain medications, work outdoors, or who work in hot indoor conditions can also be at higher risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prevention<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Preventing heat injuries can be accomplished by proper preparation and good preventive care. I was a fitness fanatic when I was in the Army, and I know my better fitness helped me deal with the heat more easily. I also made sure to stay hydrated. And maybe I’m just less prone to heat injuries than some, as heat has never really bothered me much. Here are a few things you can do to reduce risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dress light and wear a hat.<\/strong> Lightweight, light-colored, loos-fitting clothing allows air circulation and transfers heat away from the body. Light colors and fabrics such as cotton, loose linen and rayon keep the body cool. Sun protective clothing and a well vented, wide-brimmed hat or a loose cotton bandanna help regulate body heat. And even if you don’t have the “best” protective headgear, anything can be better than nothing. So use whatever hat you have available, and improvise if you must, just protect your head from the sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStay hydrated.<\/strong> This is important, so I’ll say it again, Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water during hot weather. The more you exercise or exert yourself, the more water you will need. While water is usually considered the best, other fluids will also help you stay hydrated, as well as eating foods with high water content. Foods such as watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, cantaloupe, cabbage, celery, spinach and zucchini are not only very healthy for you, but they are also good foods to heat during hot weather to help you stay hydrated. <\/p>\n\n\n\nLimit exertion during hottest times.<\/strong> If possible, refrain from exercising or exerting yourself during the hottest midday heat. Schedule training and work, if you can, during the cooler parts of the day. If you must work or exercise in the heat, shorten the intensity and duration to reduce risk, and wear moisture-wicking fabrics. Stop if you begin to overheat. Get to the shade or inside someplace cool. An icepack to the back of your neck can help you cool down, and be sure to drink plenty of cold water or a sports drink if you prefer. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBe Informed.<\/strong> Pay attention to the forecast to know the temperature and heat index for the times and locations you will be at, and plan accordingly. Summer is a time to have a lot of fun. Just be aware of the heat, how it can affect you, and enjoy your summer safely!<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSuja Natarajan’s article Hot Topic<\/em> in the July 21 edition of Costco Connection<\/em> was a source for helping with this article. <\/li>Graphics from CDC<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\nWhat to Do for Heatstroke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Heatstroke can be life-threatening. Know how to identify early signs and then:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Call 911.<\/li> Move the person to a shaded and cool area and raise their legs and feet slightly.<\/li> Loosen the person’s clothes and remove unnecessary clothing, shoes, and socks.<\/li> Rehydrate the person with water or a sports drink.<\/li> Lower the person’s body temperature with a cold compress or fans.<\/li> Monitor the person’s temperature every few minutes.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n <\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"I love the summer and I love being active out in the heat. Fortunately, I’ve always been able to deal with heat well, unlike others I served with in the Army who fell out of different activities and wound up heat injury casualties. (Which means medics and combat lifesavers, like me, would have to give […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7472,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[19],"tags":[132,136,135,138,134,137],"yoast_head":"\n
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