July 11, 2023
George Kinias

Summer is here and with it, hot weather. With the earth’s mean temperature increasing every year, 2023 is already breaking historic high temperature records as we are entering uncharted territories. And with record high temperatures the dangers to humans and animals increase exponentially and aren’t limited only to the very young, very old and to those in high risk categories. Everyone is at risk and it is important to know how to protect your body and mind in a heat wave. 

The first thing you should do is stay indoors during extreme hot temperatures, especially in hot and humid areas. Use fans and air conditioning if they are available. If not, stay in the coolest areas of your house; wear loose clothes; avoid caffeine and alcohol; eat small amounts of food at a time; hydrate often and avoid physical exertion. Pay close attention to your body and mind. They send you all kinds of warning signals. Pay particular attention to the early warning signs for yourselves and those around you because in a heat stroke people may not realize the danger they’re in because of an altered mental state that may involve confusion.

With heat exhaustion, the body can become cold and clammy. The skin gets red and hot and its temperature climbs to 103 F (39 C) or higher. Other signs include heavy sweating, nausea, muscle cramps, weakness and dizziness and even fainting. When you begin feeling that way, move to a cool place, loosen clothing and sip some water. If it is getting worse, you or others, if you are unable, should call 911, if available, and try to lower body heat with cool, wet clothes or a cool bath.

During extreme heat events, the most dangerous thing that can happen is heart failure, experts say, because of the extra energy the heart has to expend to help the body compensate for the hot temperatures. 

So, be proactive during extreme heat waves. Stay indoors in a cool place, hydrate, eat small amounts of food, avoid (limit) caffein and alcohol, recognize the heat stroke symptoms in you or others, call for help. Act wisely and enjoy the summer.

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