Surviving the Summer Heat


     People spend time outside mowing lawns, gardening, and doing many other outdoor activites
during the summer months. Staying outside in the sun all day to play being very active and
getting to warm can have negative affects on you body if your not careful. When it comes
to summer heat, there is such a thing as having too much of a good thing. 

  When the temperature is 95 degrees or above, stay out of the sun and keep activity to a
     minimum
  Spend as many hours as possible in a cool place
  Drink plenty of fluids; quench your thirst and then some.  Avoid alcohol
  Eat regularly
  If you feel unusually weak, dizzy or confused GET HELP
  If you know elderly, chronically ill or incapacitated persons, check them as frequently as
    possible

     The heat index is how the heat-humidity combined makes it feel outside. The heat index
(HI) is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the affects of humidity are added
to high temperature.

     When the heat index is between 90° F and 105° F sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion
are possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity. When the index is between 105° F
and 129° F sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion is likely and heatstroke is possible. Heat indices of 130° or higher heatstroke and sunstroke are extremely likely with continued exposure.



Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion include:
  Heavy sweating 
  Paleness 
  Muscle cramps 
Tiredness 
  Weakness 
  Dizziness 
  Headache
  Nausea or vomiting
  Fainting
 
     Your skin may be cool and moist. Your pulse rate will be fast and weak, and breathing will
be fast and shallow. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.



     To check the heat index in your area click here and scroll down

      More information available on Heat Index at:   http://www.epa.gov:80/sunwise/index.html

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