Heat-related Illness

While I was loading my car with groceries the other day I heard a few yips come out of the car next to me. In the front seat I saw a small dog curled as far into the corner as possible to avoid the sunlight coming through the windshield. The owner had cracked the front windows about two inches for air and the poor dog was wearing what looked like a padded vest. I felt horrible that I couldn’t do anything for the animal and even worse that someone who loved this dog didn’t realize the danger they were leaving their pet in by leaving them in the vehicle.

The next day at the Florida Safety Council I wrote a press release about heat-related illness so I felt like it would be a good idea to share what I’ve learned with our readers. One of the most shocking things I discovered was that heat is the number one weather-related killer in the U.S. Heat is just the weather, not gale force winds blowing debris or mudslides destroying homes. In my opinion we are aware of the current temperature, there is no reason these deaths cannot be prevented.

Research from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) shows that climate change is causing excessive heat trends and that by the end of the century 150,000 additional Americans will die from heat-related illness. It may not be a danger you consciously think about, especially for Floridians like myself who are used to warmer weather, but if we take necessary precautions then that death toll prediction won’t become a reality.

Some symptoms of heat disorders are sunburns, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Below are some tips I’ve accumulated to avoid those symptoms. The elderly and young children are more vulnerable to hot weather so be sure to share what you’ve learned with them.

TIPS:

• Do not leave children, adults, or pets in a parked vehicle without air-conditioning. 
• Leave strenuous activities, such as yard work, until the coolest part of the day.
• Dress for summer: lightweight, light-colored clothing reflect heat and sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol or decaffeinated fluids.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before going outdoors for extended periods of time.
• Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Local museums and libraries can be a fun substitute if it’s too hot to visit the park or beach.
• Use SPF 30 or higher any time you are outdoors. Sunburns reduce your body’s ability to dissipate heat which makes you more vulnerable to the effects.
• Try to cut your sodium intake unless specified by a physician.