Summer is here with promises of fun in the sun! Enjoy your summer, but be aware that Florida heat can cause illness and injury.
The young, older adults, and people with chronic conditions are more likely to get ill from heat more quickly than healthy adults; but anyone can get a heat related illness.
Know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke:
- Heat exhaustion is a mild heat related illness. To treat it, move to a cooler area, utilize a fan, shade, or air conditioning, and drink cool beverages such as water or electrolyte-rich sports drinks. Symptoms include:
- Excessive thirst
- Profuse sweating
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Heat stroke is an emergency in which the body cannot cool down itself. Seek immediate medical attention for:
- Lack of sweating
- Skin hot to the touch
- Loss of consciousness
Tips for Staying Cool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids.
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and reapply every two hours or follow the instructions on the package.
- Wear a hat and sunglasses.
- Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
- Take breaks and rest in the shade. If you plan to hike or bike in the heat, adjust by exercising in the heat for shorter periods to build stamina.
Have fun this summer, but stay safe in the heat. For more information, go to: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/travel