×

How to stay cool during heat wave

With the area in the middle of a three-day heat wave, today expected to be the hottest of the three, area residents should be aware that when the heat index is predicted to top out at over 100 degrees staying cool becomes critical.

Staying hydrated is the number one priority.

“No matter what activity you do outside, it is important to stay hydrated in the warmer weather,” said Tony Bixby, director of Prehospital Services at UPMC Susquehanna.

“Remind your children to drink water throughout the day because heat-related illness can be very serious and even life-threatening. Before, during and after any physical activity, drink plenty of water. The goal is to drink a half cup to two cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes while exercising,” Bixby said.

He added that it is important to avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine, all of which are known to dehydrate the body.

It is also important to know if you have some health issue or condition that interferes with your body’s ability to cool off.

Bixby said, “Know your risks. If you take antihistamines, anti-depressants, diuretics and/or blood pressure medications, you should know that these medicines can interfere with your body’s ability to regulate temperature, possibly making you more susceptible to heat illness. The same is true of conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, a previous stroke and sleep deprivation. Scarring and other skin conditions that interfere with your ability to sweat can also make you more prone to heat illness.”

He detailed the types of heat injuries, a term used to describe any of multiple common heat illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Bixby noted that these conditions can progress from one to the next along a continuum, but a person who is elderly or at risk can also advance directly to heat stroke without warning.

According to Bixby, these are the types of heat injuries and what to look for:

• Heat cramps — at the first sign of muscle cramping, stop and go inside to drink water and cool off.

• Heat exhaustion — this condition can result from progressive days of heat exposure without proper hydration. Early signs are personality changes, such as irritability, mild sleepiness, mild loss of concentration or lack of coordination, headache, nausea and vomiting, profuse sweating and pale appearance. Drink fluids and take a cool shower or bath to cool off quickly. If a person with these symptoms passes out, call 9-1-1.

• Heat stroke — this is a medical emergency that can result in death or permanent disability without treatment. Symptoms may include extremely high body temperature, rapid pulse, red, dry skin, headache, dizziness, loss of consciousness as well as no sweating. With this condition, the body is no longer able to cool off on its own. Call 9-1-1 and immediately take steps to cool the person down by getting him or her out of the sun. Remove clothing and place ice in along the groin and armpits, cover the person with a wet sheet and blow a fan over him or her until help arrives.

He cautioned that if you have had heat illnesses in the past, you are more prone to get them again.

The best place to be in these hot days of summer is inside, but for those who have to be outdoors, try to minimize strenuous activity and find shade when possible. Wear a hat and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Some other tips from Bixby, pay attention to air temperatures and concentrate outdoor activities early and late in the day. Avoid the sun’s peak hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you must be outside, take shade breaks as often as possible. If you don’t have air conditioning, seek out locations that do, such as the library or the mall, for a few hours each day. This will help your body stay cooler overall.

One very important car safety measure is never leave anyone or a pet in a closed, parked vehicle during hot weather.

Using energy wisely is also important in warm weather in order to keep utility costs down. According to guidelines from utility companies, if your home has central air conditioning install a programmable thermostat and raise the setting to the highest possible temperature that is comfortable for your family. If you will be gone from the home for an extended period of time, raise the temperature. It is estimated that for each degree you raise your thermostat you can save three to five percent on your air conditioning costs. The federal Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat at 78 degrees.

Some other tips from the utility companies include:

• Close doors to uncooled parts of your home and if you have central air conditioning, close off vents to unused room.

• Keep air conditioning filters clean.

• Use ceiling and portable fans, which are more economical and cost less to use than air conditioners, to circulate air.

• Make sure to close blinds, shades and draperies during the day to block the sun.

• Try to minimize the use of heat-generating appliances, such as dishwashers, stoves, washer and dryers during the warmest time of day.

• Using a microwave will result in a shorter cooking time and a cooler kitchen.

• Keep your dryer lint trap clean to improve efficiency and dry clothes on the lowest setting possible. Better yet, hang clothes outside to dry.

• Installing LED light bulbs, which are cooler and more efficient than incandescent bulbs is another option.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today