By Chelsey Windham
Summer in Coastal Mississippi means more time in the sun. Use these tips to stay safe while enjoying the extra hours of sunshine.
1. Learn the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
Unfortunately, higher temperatures can lead to some concerning conditions. Here is the difference between heat stroke and heat exhaustion:
• A heat stroke is a medical emergency and can lead to death. Those affected may not realize that they are experiencing a heat stroke, as they may lose consciousness or become confused. They may experience headaches, feeling hot, nausea and a fast heart rate, but a key factor is that their skin will remain dry and not sweat. Their body temperature will be over 104 degrees. Cool compresses, moving to a cooler area and calling 911 are appropriate actions.
• Heat exhaustion can occur when experiencing excess heat. with symptoms including headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea, weakness and a fast pulse. The key difference is this person will be sweating and body temperature will be less than 104degrees. Adults and children have similar symptoms, but there should be careful monitoring of small children/ babies who cannot talk for signs of restlessness, irritability and lethargy.
2. Stay hydrated
The body is comprised of 55-78 percent water. Dehydration can happen quickly, especially in the Mississippi summer heat. Beat dehydration by drinking before you’re thirsty. If you’re concerned that you or a family member are experiencing severe dehydration, visit the closest emergency department.
SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION
- Headache, delirium, confusion
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Dizziness, weakness, light-headedness
- Dry mouth and/or a dry cough
- High heart rate, but low blood pressure
- Loss of appetite, but maybe craving sugar
- Flushed (red) skin, swollen feet and/or muscle cramps
- Heat intolerance or chills
- Constipation
- Dark-colored pee (urine) – your pee should be a pale, clear color.
3. Care for your skin.
• Spend time in the shade as much as possible. Sand and water reflect the sun’s UV rays, and you will continue to absorb rays even under shade.
•Pick a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, specifically those that include zinc or titanium that block both UVA rays (cause of melanoma) and UVB rays.
• Certain medications can make you more susceptible to absorbing the sun’s rays, including heart medications and diuretics (fluid pills).
• Limit your time spent in chlorine.
To prevent negative effects from chlorine, be sure to shower after swimming, use moisturizer and consult a dermatologist or a pediatric dermatologist for your child if more severe reactions occur.
• Keep an eye on moles that are changing in color, bleeding or breaking down in the middle.
• As soon as you start to notice concerning skin damage, visit your dermatologist.
Chelsey Windham is a nurse practitioner who cares for patients at Memorial Physician Clinics Lakeview Multispecialty. Reach her at (228) 822-6270.