It’s heat wave season and Salem County is in the throes of the hottest weather of the year.
SMC’s Emergency Department Medical Director Brenna Wynne said remembering these steps can help to prevent heat-related illnesses or even death.
Stay Cool
- – Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
- – Stay in air-conditioned locations as often as possible
- – Limit outdoor activities and exercise to mornings and evening when it’s coolest
- – Use sunscreen to avoid sunburn which can affect the body’s ability to cool down
- – Avoid hot, heavy meals
Stay Hydrated
- – Drink more fluids than normal, even if you don’t feel thirsty
- – Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages as they can cause dehydration
- – Avoid very cold drinks as they can cause stomach cramps
- – Replace salt and minerals with a sports drink after heavy sweating
Stay Informed
- – Check the local news for extreme heat alerts
- – Watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses
- – Monitor those at high risk of heat-related illnesses including infants and young children, people 65 and older, overweight people, people with heart disease, high blood pressure or who take certain medications
If you experience any of the symptoms listed below, call 9-1-1 immediately, move to a cool location, loosen tight clothing, apply cool, wet clothes to skin or get into a cool bath or pool.
Heat Stroke
- – Body temperature of 103-degrees or higher
- – Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- – Fast, strong pulse
- – Headache
- – Dizziness
- – Nausea
- – Confusion
- – Passing out
Heat Exhaustion
- – Heavy sweating
- – Cold, pale, clammy skin
- – Fast, weak pulse
- – Nausea or vomiting
- – Muscle cramps
- – Tiredness or weakness
- – Dizziness
- – Headache
- – Passing out