The Sun is at the peak of an 11-year solar cycle, and you can definitely feel its intensity. Some days, here in Texas, it feels as if we are on the surface of the Sun.
Heatstroke
A heatstroke, also referred to as a sunstroke, can occur when the body is unable to sufficiently cool itself. Although there are many ways to prevent this, it can become life-threatening. Those at a greater risk for a heat-related illness are infants, young children, people 65 or older, those who have a mental illness, and those with certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
Here are some tips to keep you and your pets safe in the intense summertime heat:
HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS SYMPTOMS AND FIRST AID
HEAT CRAMPS
Symptoms:
- Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen
- Heavy sweating
First Aid:
- Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm
- Give sips of water; if nausea occurs, discontinue water
HEAT EXHAUSTION
Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness
- Cool, pale, clammy skin
- Weak pulse
- Possible muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fainting
First Aid:
- Move person to a cooler environment
- Remove or loosen clothing
- Apply cool, wet cloths
- Fan or move victim to air conditioned room
- Offer sips of water; if nausea occurs, discontinue water; if vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention
HEAT STROKE
Symptoms:
- Altered mental state
- Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing
- High body temperature (106°F or higher)
- Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating
- Rapid pulse
- Possible unconsciousness
First Aid:
- Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately; delay can be fatal
- Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment
- Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging
- Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s
- Use extreme caution
- If temperature rises again, repeat process
- Do NOT give fluids
Outdoor Pets
- Keep your pets cool and out of the sun
- Put shades over the top of dog pens, or move their kennels under a tree
- Hook up an outdoor mister system around their pens or kennels, preferably with a timer
- Keep your pet’s water bowl filled daily with fresh water
- Spray down your pet with the water hose
- Provide a small baby pool with fresh water for your pet to drink, lay in, or play in
Enjoy the summer sunshine, but stay cool, hydrated, and don’t lose your sunglasses.
