Life with Chronic Conditions: Take Heat/Temps Seriously

--> Heat and cold are underrated dangers, but since it’s the middle of the summer and the east is frying under unrelenting heat, today’s post is why you need to make adjustments when the temps rise along with the humidity. 

Everyone can befall to high heat indexes, but the elderly, children, infants, athletes, those working outside and those with chronic and/or acute medical conditions are most vulnerable. In fact, more than 600 people in the United States die each year because of heat.

People with chronic medical conditions are more vulnerable to extreme heat as they may be less likely to sense and respond to changes in temperature. Medications can make the effect of extreme heat worse. Any number of conditions can be exacerbated by high heat and cause heart failure.

Keep Your Cool

Keep plenty of fluids handy and drink them throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can cause dehydration. Heavy sweating can remove salt and minerals from your body. Talk to your medical provider about how to safely replace salt and minerals you may be loosing through sweat. Know the signs of dehydration: The easiest way to tell is by looking at the color of your urine. If it’s dark yellow, or you can’t remember the last time you peed, drink more fluids. The goal is pale yellow. Other symptoms include headaches, tiredness; irritability; bad breath; constipation; and thirst. Do a quick skin test. On the back of your hand, use two fingers and pull up half an inch of skin, anywhere from where a watch would sit to where your fingers start. Your skin should bounce back immediately. If it doesn’t,  you may dehydrated. The best way to avoid dehydration is to drink plenty of  water.

•  Keep tabs on your friends, neighbors and others who may not have air conditioning.

• Keep clothing light-avoid dark colors as they absorb heat. Loose fitting is your friend. Now is not the time to worry about making a fashion statement

• Keep curtains drawn and block out heat during the heat of the day. At night, open the windows and use fans to draw in cool air.

Your pets and children should never be left in your vehicle as temps can rise to 120 degrees. Check frequently on pets to make sure they have cool water.

• You work outside? Take frequent breaks; use a buddy system to check on each other.

Cooling zones are set up in your local community. Know where they are and use them. These can include libraries, theaters, malls etc. However, avoid extreme temperature changes.

• Stay cool by slowing down, staying indoors, avoid strenuous exercise, particularly during the hottest part of the day. Postpone outdoor games and activities.

                    KNOW THE SYMPTOMS OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS