If you are located within the San Francisco Bay Area, you must be aware of the heat wave we are currently enduring. While most people enjoy the outdoors during the summer, it’s important to protect oneself from the heat and from dehydration. Although it may not be household information, extreme heat causes more deaths in the United States than floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and lightning combined. Children are especially prone to overheating, and so are the elderly, animals, or people who have any medical conditions often have the greatest risk. Becoming over heated can cause high body temperatures, brain damage, organ damage, and death. To keep yourself protected from overheating in the summer heat, stay inside and away from the sun between the hours of intense sunlight. Sunlight is most intense during the mid day hours, in between 10am – 5pm, which drastically raises temperatures. Sometimes staying indoors is not enough, keeping the air conditioning on can help you keep cool. Pets are sensitive to temperature changes and should carefully be monitored. Pets will display an array of indicators when they are hot, in extreme cases, animals can even faint from high temperatures. Dress in breathable, light clothing. Wearing clothing made from a lighter material will allow air to flow in and out of the garments, cooling us down in the process. Thicker clothes may trap heat along our bodies and inhibits our ability to cool off. Drink plenty of cold water and keep fresh water available at all times for your pets. Close blinds and curtains to prevent sunlight from entering your house and causing a greenhouse effect. Supervise children when they play in the heat to ensure they are staying hydrated and are not overheating. Remember that certain surfaces can become hot enough to cause burns. Black asphalt on the road can reach high temperatures and burn your (or your pets) feet and cause pain. Other surfaces such as metal seat belt clasps, leather furniture or leather seats, and other metals can get hot enough to cause burns. Never leave children and pets in a car on even a warm day. Although it may not seem that hot outside, temperatures can still sore within the vehicle. Check on older, more vulnerable family members and friends on hot summer days. If you are exhibiting any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
• Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness vary based on the condition, but may include an elevated body temperature, headache,nausea, weakness, dizziness, fainting, muscle cramps, seizures,confusion, and coma.