Beat that Summer Heat, and Don't Let it Beat You

 My last post was about trending patients in the emergency room. I chuckle because its so true. Even now, my last post was on a specific trend and now I can bring you another important trend to be watching out for this summer: dehydration.

There have been several public announcements and national news segments in the past few weeks about beating the heat and keeping everyone safe. There are some basics such as: bring in any animals that you can bring into the home, provide shade and adequate water for other pets and livestock that cannot be brought in. Make sure to drink plenty of water and to make sure that your children and elderly family members are staying hydrated as well. It is very important that if you and your family are outside that you wear sunscreen, stay in shaded areas, and watch how much you are sweating.

I have had several elderly patients this week that have come in after syncopal episodes outside in the recreation areas of their assisted living facilities. That is partly because our beloved elderly patients have habits that they like to stick with. No matter the weather, they will dress a certain way and they will sit on their favorite bench for the same amount of time every day. They don’t always carry around water with them, and they don’t always realize that they are overheating.

The same thing can be said of our young pediatric patients. They don’t always realize that they are too hot or that they are thirsty. They cannot communicate that they are too hot and need to go inside. And when symptoms start to become obvious, it can be too late.

Prevent Overheating:

• Drink plenty of water
• Keep water with you
• Use hats and shaded areas
• Sunscreen
• Fan or mister
• Replace electrolytes if outside and sweating
• If you stop sweating, get inside immediately and cool down
• Use pools or water hoses to cool down

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:

• Altered Mental Status or behavior
• Nausea and vomiting
• Flushed skin
• Rapid breathing
• Racing heart rate
• Extreme sweating
• Muscle Cramps
• Move inside immediately
• Apply cooling methods
• Sip water
• If vomiting occurs, seek medical attention

Heat Stroke:

• Internal temp higher than 103
• Possible loss of consciousness
• Headache
• Nausea/vomiting
• No sweating
• Hot, dry skin
• Immediate emergency, call 911

Skin Cancer:

• Always wear sunscreen
• Stay out of the direct sun when the UV ways are strongest, between 1000 and 1400
• Check ALL of your skin, even the areas not exposed to the sun
• See a dermatologist regularly
• Be aware of strange spots

References:

https://thescientificparent.org/heat-exhaustion-vs-heat-stroke-know-the-signs/