The milder temperatures this week are welcome relief from the recent stretch of steamy weather. But as veteran Chicago-area denizens know, summer days can become scorchers in a hurry, posing health hazards if not taken seriously, particularly to children, seniors, those with special needs and pets.
In addition to discomfort and fatigue, high temperatures can cause heat-related health issues such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To protect yourself and others, the Illinois Department of Public Health offers these guidelines when the mercury’s on the rise.
• Use a buddy system.
If you are at home and are 65 years of age or older or have a chronic health problem, ask a friend, relative or neighbor check on you at least twice a day, even if you have air conditioning. If you know someone who is 65 years of age or older or who has a chronic health problem, check on them at least twice a day.
• Limit outdoor activities.
Try to plan activities for the coolest times of the day — before noon and in the evening. When physically active, rest frequently in the shade.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
During hot weather, you will need to drink more liquid than your thirst indicates. Even if you remain indoors and limit your activity, your body still needs to replace lost fluids, salt and minerals. Make an effort to drink a minimum of six to eight 8-ounce glasses of cool fluids daily. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses of cool fluids each hour. Parents should be sure young children get sufficient fluids. Avoid alcoholic beverages and those containing caffeine. Salt tablets are not substitutes for fluids.
• Protect your body.
Wear as little clothing as possible when indoors, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing outdoors. When spending time outdoors, avoid direct sunlight, wear a hat and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) greater than 15 to protect yourself against sunburn.
• Never leave children, the elderly or pets in a parked car. The air temperature inside a car rises rapidly during hot weather and can lead to brain damage or death in just a few minutes.
• Take care of your pets.
In many ways, dogs and cats react to hot weather as humans do. Offer pets extra water and be sure to place the water dish in a shaded area if outdoors. Make sure pets have a protected place where they can get away from the sun.
• Watch for symptoms of heat exhaustion.
Dizziness, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, shallow breathing, cool and clammy skin, muscle tremors and heavy perspiration can be signs of heat exhaustion. A person exhibiting such symptoms should be moved to an air-conditioned environment or a shady spot. Loosen their clothing and have them drink water or another non-alcoholic cool beverage. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.
