Guest Column from Representative Tony Burkley
Spending time outside is commonplace in our state’s beautiful summer landscape, but if you’re not careful the heat can cause significant heat-related illnesses. The Ohio Department of Health recently released recommendations to combat the dangers of the heat and provide tips to stay safe and cool this summer.
With heat on the rise, heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses are becoming more evident. Our body’s sweat in order to cool down, but many times that is not enough in extreme heat. Old age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, poor circulation, sunburn and drug and alcohol use are the conditions that hurt your body when trying to regulate body temperature in hot weather.
One way to beat the heat is by drinking cool fluids. Drinking water and staying hydrated will help you stay cool and let your body release sweat. Drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day is recommended, but more may be essential on hotter days. Likewise, if you are outside exercising or working, two to four cups of water each hour is suggested. In this heat it is important to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and any other fluid that will further dehydrate your body.
Additionally, planning time outside ahead is beneficial. Opt for early morning or evening outside activities and wear loose-fitting or light colored clothing when you can. Be sure to move into the shade or go into air conditioning if you start feeling any signs of a heat-related illness. Also monitoring how much time children spend in the heat is extremely important. Make sure they take breaks and are drinking enough water in between their play.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or fainting. In order to cool off, move into a shaded area and drink plenty of fluids. Signs of a heat stroke are body temperatures of 103 degrees or higher, red, hot and dry skin with no sweating, rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness, and gray skin color. Victims of a heat stroke will require medical assistance and must be cooled down with cool water. Also, remember to always have a covered area for animals kept outdoors and to provide them with plenty of water as well.
The heat can affect anyone, which is why you must protect yourself and your families. Prevention is key when it comes to protection, which is why I remind you to stay safe when the heat is excessive. I hope all of you continue to enjoy your summers and stay cool in this heat.
