* With spring upon us and summer in the promise, it is important for all of us to prevent heat-related problems and to recognize the signs of heat illness. 

* Heat related illnesses and deaths are preventable, yet over the past 30 years more people have died in this country from heat than from hurricanes, lightening, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.

* All Mainers should take some simple measures to prevent heat related illness. However, those who are most susceptible include infants and young children, people 65 years and older, people with a mental illness, and those who are physically ill with heart disease, high blood pressure  or the inability to remember to hydrate.

1. Keep Cool: to cool down, go to the cellar, open windows on the shady side of the house or use air conditioning. Take cool showers or baths. Wear loose lightweight and light colored clothing. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Wear sunscreen (at least a SPF 15, higher the number the better protection from UVA and UVB rays). Never leave a child, those with special needs or a pet in a parked car, even briefly. Temperatures in the car can become dangerous just in a few minutes.   

2. Drink fluids: Drink more fluids regardless of your activity (your body tries to cool by sweating and you lose fluids!). Avoid alcohol, caffeine or sugary drinks since these actually cause you to lose more body fluids (up to 20% more)

3. Rest frequently: Take regular breaks from physical activity at least every hour.  Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.)

* Don’ forget to check on neighbors, family and friends especially those who are at high risk for heat related illnesses.

* If you must be out in the heat: * try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.   * cut down on exercise.. If you must exercise, drink 2-4 glasses of cool nonalcoholic fluids every hour.  * Rest in shady areas-at least every hour.* protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and using sunscreen.

* It is important for us to recognize the early signs of heat related illnesses (heat stroke & heat exhaustion) and what to do for them: *Heat Stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature.  Body temperature can reach dangerous levels. Warning signs include hot dry red skin, rapid pulse, high body temperature (>105F), headache, loss of alertness, confusion, rapid and shallow breathing, unconsciousness or coma.  Call 911 immediately. While waiting for assistance, cool the person rapidly with methods of cool water, ice, fans, loosening clothing and /or creating shade or if possible moving to shade

* Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people over-exert themselves in high heat and humidity.  Symptoms include heavy sweating, fainting, vomiting, cold pale and clammy skin, dizziness, headache, nausea and weakness.  Move the person to a cool place, have them drink fluids and rest, loosen clothing, cool them off with water or wet clothes.  Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke.  So, if the symptoms worsen or do not improve, get medical help. 

Have a safe and healthy summer.
Sandra Hare R.N.
MSAD # 70 School Nurse