Summer is Hot

Many of us look forward to summer for the opportunities to get outdoors. Too much outdoors can hurt in certain situations. Aside from stormy weather and lightning, summer weather hazards are too much ultra violet radiation from the sun, too much heat and humidity, and poor air quality.
If you don't spend a lot of time outdoors then your body is not acclimated to high heat and humidity. You need to be extra careful. People taking prescription drugs, tranquilizers and diuretics have an increased risk of heat-related illness. In extreme heat situations everyone needs to remember basic safety. The Mobile County Health Department says too much heat can lead to sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion. Heatstroke is possible with prolonged exposure and/or physical activity. The elderly are more at risk for heat-related problems. MCHD has these tips for you...

Preventing heat-related injuries

Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level. Don?t wait until you?re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar. They actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to a shopping mall or public library. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
Electric fans may provide comfort; but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Take a cool shower or bath. Moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Never leave children (or anyone else) or pets in a closed, parked vehicle.
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children need more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat

Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each
hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage.
Try to rest often in shady areas.
Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Also, put sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say broad spectrum or UVA/UVB protection on their labels).

The heat index (sometimes called the apparent temperature, or "feels like" temperature) is a measure of the contribution that high temperature and high humidity (expressed either as relative humidity (RH) or dew point temperature) make in reducing the body's ability to cool itself. The table below estimates the heat index. The heat index (HI) is a measure of how hot it really feels when the affects of humidity are added to high temperature. Note: Exposure to full sunshine can increase HI values by up to 15ø F

Heat Index between 90ø F and 104ø F sunstroke, heat cramps or heat exhaustion are possible with prolonged exposure and physical activity
Heat Index between 105ø F and 129ø F sunstroke, heat cramps, or heat exhaustion is likely and heatstroke is possible
Heat Index of 130ø or higher heatstroke or sunstroke occur quickly

Check out the National Weather Service Heat Wave website for a lot more information on summer heat safety. Calculate the Heat Index using either dew point or relative humidity. Heat affects all living creatures. NOAA has much more information on heat. Find more safety rules from the Alabama Department of Health.