Man, It’s Hot Out There

Here’s a question for those of you who have been around here for a few years: HAS IT GOTTEN HOTTER? Having a bit of free time on my hands, I started playing golf with the Marco Men’s Club. I have to say I really think camels instead of caddies might be in order. With my newfound golf buddies, along with some other outdoor pursuits, I have noticed something: not everyone seems to be drinking nearly enough water! Not enough of the people I observe are really staying hydrated in this year’s summer heat. And I know many of our friends and readers during the summer months move up to those northern latitudes. But the truth is, on many summer days those northern latitudes can be warmer and even muggier than our summer weather on Marco Island. Being active outdoors this time of year can lead to heat exhaustion and even worse, heat stroke.

HEAT EXHAUSTION occurs when the body’s normal temperature reducing mechanisms get overwhelmed and become inefficient or stop working.

Signs of heat exhaustion are: Heavy sweating, pale cool sweaty skin, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, and feeling weak.

Although it may not appear serious, treat heat exhaustion quickly. Without early recognition and treatment, it could progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition.

TREATMENT FOR HEAT EXHAUSTION:

• Move the person to a cooler, shady place or inside where air conditioning is available.
• Spray water on or apply cool wet cloths to the head and torso and encourage the person to drink fluids, preferably a carbohydrate-electrolyte sports type drink followed by plain water.
• Loosen or remove excess clothing.
• Have the person lie down and consider raising his or her legs six to 12 inches.
• The idea here is to get the person cooled down ASAP!

HEAT STROKE is a condition where the bodies normal cooling systems are overwhelmed. This is a serious medical emergency.

Signs of heat stroke are: The person will be very warm, even hot to the touch; heavy sweating could be present, but in many cases the skin can be red and completely dry. Typically, the person will be confused and could have trouble communicating.

The person could become unresponsive and could experience a seizure.

TREATMENT FOR HEAT STROKE:

FIRST CALL 911

• When possible, wet the person down or even better, immerse the person up to his or her chin in cold water.
• If immersion is not possible, spray or pour cold water on the person or cover them with a cold wet sheet. If available, use a fan to enhance cooling.
• You MUST cool this person down quickly!

A FEW FINAL TAKEAWAY POINTS:

Heat cramps (muscle spasms) are the earliest signs of a heat illness.

Prevention of heat-related issues can be prevented or at least minimized by:

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate early and often, starting even before your day outdoors begins. Stay ahead of the dehydration curve by drinking sports type drinks mixed with bottles of clear water. Most people just don’t drink enough water or the proper type of drink to keep themselves hydrated. Sweating while you’re outside working or playing is what you want. The evaporation of the sweat off your body acts like an air conditioning system, cooling your body. If you stop sweating, you are in trouble.
• Light colored clothing is a must. That latest fashion statement, i.e., black tee shirt, cap, hat or black cargo pants is just nuts! Light colored clothing reflects the heat off you. And wear a hat, light colored, if possible, to keep the sun's direct rays off your head.
• Understand the heat index. Basically, it’s the combination of the actual temperature and the relative humidity - 84° with a low 65% humidity in the mountains in Tennessee equals 89°. But down here, 84° with a humidity of 85% equals 96°. That’s a big difference when you’re outside working and trying to stay hydrated and cool. Conversely, if you’re not used to a drier climate with a lower humidity, you might not notice you’re getting dehydrated and not sweating.

Being aware of what you are witnessing, that a medical emergency is occurring in the first place. This is enhanced when you take a first aid class. Take a first aid class and get trained. The Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron and the Marco Island Fire Department offer classes in our area almost every month. Contact the Marco Island Fire Department or go to the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadrons website, www.marcoboatingclub.org, call 239-393-0150, or stop by the training center at 1114 North Collier Boulevard.