Everyone likes to have fun in the sun. But how safe is that fun? As the temperatures steadily rise in the summer months, so does risk of heat-related injuries. These types of injuries can range from relatively minor problems like heat cramps due to loss of water and salt through perspiration, heat exhaustion in the form of headaches, nausea, and weakness, to more serious conditions like the potentially fatal heat stroke.

Heat stroke happens when perspiration can no longer occur and the body temperature control mechanism stops working. The beginning signs of heat stroke can seem like that of heat exhaustion, but soon confusion, seizures, and more severe side effects can begin to set in.

It is important to move the person experiencing sever signs of heat exhaustion to a cooler environment and reduce the body temperature with ice or cool water. Call for emergency medical assistance or get the person to a hospital or medical care facility immediately.

According to Dr. Jay Lemery, director of the Wilderness and environmental Medicine Division of the Department of Emergency Medicine at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, it’s not just temperature that causes heat stress. Humidity and direct exposure to the sun can also play a role. He goes on to say that the combination of these factors is what the weatherman refers to as “heat index”. “Heat index” measures the outside heat stress on the body.

To help prevent heat related injuries, awareness is the key. People need to be aware of how their bodies are reacting to and handling the heat. Staying hydrated and spending more time in an air-conditioned environment can also help with keeping cool and healthy throughout the summer.

Beat the Sizzling Summer Temps…
…with these hot tips provided by physicians at the New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center

Take it Easy! Try to reduce or eliminate strenuous activities, or even reschedule to a cooler time of day. Persons at risk, such as the elderly, should stay in the coolest location out of the sun, or in an air-conditioned location.

Dress for the Weather. To reflect heat and sunlight and help your body maintain normal temperatures, dress in lightweight, light-colored, loose clothing.

Stay Hydrated. Even if you do not feel thirsty, drink plenty of fluids to help keep your body cool. Try to reduce the intake of caffeinated beverages, and try to stick to water and sports drinks. A good test of hydration is to make sure your urine is always clear in color.

Just Say “no”! Even though alcoholic beverages may feel as if they are cooling you off on a hot summer’s day, they can actually make dehydration worse.

Listen to Your Physician. If on a salt-restrictive diet, do not take salt tablets or increase your salt intake without consulting with your doctor.

Get Cool. Air-conditioning drastically reduces the danger from heat-related injuries. If you do not have an air-conditioner, spend some time each day in an air-conditioned environment such as a shopping center, movie theater, library, etc.

Be Protected. Always remember to use sunblock at a SPF 15 or greater when outdoors.

Be a Good Neighbor. If you have elderly neighbors, check in on them and make sure they are staying cool and hydrated, as they are most susceptible to heat injury.