How to deal with the heat this week

The National Weather Service issued heat warnings and advisories for Ohio residents today going into Friday.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average of more than 600 people die every year nationwide from heat-related causes.

“The heat indexes expected in Ohio can truly be dangerous, and I encourage you to take these precautions seriously,” said Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, director of the Ohio Department of Health. “In particular, please remember to look out for those who are more vulnerable, such as young children and the elderly.”

The Ohio Department of Health wants residents to keep the following heat exposure precautions in mind:

Drink cold fluids

Doctors say don’t wait until you are thirsty to start drinking water.

Staying hydrated with water helps your body sweat and cool down. Adults should drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Monitor your body – you may need to drink more on hot and humid days.

Avoid fluids that contain alcohol or caffeine because they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illness.

Limit outdoor activity

During heat warnings, plan outdoor activities for the early morning or evening when the sun is less direct.

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and sun protection like glasses or a wide-brimmed hat to protect against sunburn.

Move to the shade or into an air-conditioned building at the first signs of heat illness.

Very young children may become preoccupied with outdoor play and not realize that they are getting overheated. Adults should require frequent breaks and bring them indoors for a cool drink.

Children or youth involved in team sports should be closely monitored for signs of heat stress. Consideration should be given to shifting practices and games to cooler times of the day.

What are the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion?

When someone has heat exhaustion, they’ll have a fast but weak pulse and muscle cramps. Their skin will feel cold and clammy, and they’ll sweat heavily.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion (cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness exhaustion), here’s what you should do:

• Move them to a cooler place.
• Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths or towels to their skin. Try to fan the person.
• If they are conscious, give them small amounts of cool water. Make sure the person drinks slowly. Watch for changes in condition. If the person refuses water, vomits, or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

Heat stroke is a potentially life-threatening condition. If someone has heat stroke, their body temperature will be 103 degrees or higher. Their skin will look red, hot, and dry without showing sweating.

If someone is exhibiting signs of heat stroke (rapid pulse, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, and a gray skin color), here’s what you should do:

• People experiencing heat stroke need immediate medical assistance – call 9-1-1.
• Before help arrives, begin cooling the exhausted individual by any means possible, such as spraying from a garden hose or placing the person in a cool tub of water.

CONNECT WITH US

WEB SITE ► https://www.mahoningmatters.com

DAILY NEWS EMAIL ► https://www.mahoningmatters.com/customer-service/newsletter-signup/

FACEBOOK ► https://www.facebook.com/mahoningmatters

TWITTER ► https://twitter.com/mahoningmatters

YOUTUBE ► https://www.youtube.com/@mahoningmatters2814

INSTAGRAM ► https://www.instagram.com/mahoningmatters

SUPPORT US ► https://givebutter.com/vNfzEW