Summer Heat

In summer, the song sings itself. ~William Carlos Williams.


However, even as the song sings itself, we have to be careful not to be swept away by the sirens call.

Summer brings vacations, barbecues, swimming, golf, football and baseball games, mowing lawns, gardening, and doing many other outdoor activities. Many hours of sun and warmth bring people out of their homes to work and play. It is a very active and fun filled season, but summer can have negative effects as well, if one is not careful. When it comes to summer heat, there is such a thing as having too much of a good thing.

Temperatures can rise beyond comfortable levels for days, and sometimes weeks. Humidity can be oppressive, making it feel hotter than it actually is. The once glorious summer season soon becomes unbearable, making every outdoor activity a chore. Shade trees and a summer breeze become welcome treasures.

Many people retreat to the comforts of their air conditioners and fans. The fact remains that the heat cannot be avoided totally. If one does not take proper precautions during these sweltering conditions, the result could be serious, even deadly.

Each year, an average of 175 Americans lose their lives due to their bodies not being able to compensate for the tolls that excessive heat and humidity take on their bodies. This does not include the casualties in which heat accelerated the symptoms of disorders already present. Because this has become such a serious problem, the National Weather Service has devised a system to calculate how hot it really feels when air temperature is combined with humidity. It is called the Heat Index. Using this system gives weather forecasters a way to warn people of dangerously high heat levels.

There are various heat related illnesses/injuries that people need to be aware of so that they may 1) try to prevent them from occurring, 2) watch for signs and symptoms when individuals are exposed to extreme heat levels, and 3) know how to treat these illnesses/injuries should they occur. These illnesses/injuries include sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Heat Disorders	Symptoms	First Aid
Sun Burn	Redness and pain. In severe cases, swelling of skin, blisters, fever, headaches.	Ointment for mild cases if blisters appear. If breaking occurs, apply dry sterile dressing. Serious, extensive cases should be seen by a physician.
Heat Cramps	Cramps Painful spasms usually in muscles of legs and abdomen possible. Heavy sweating.	Firm pressure on cramping muscles, or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use.
Heat Exhaustion	Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Pulse thready. Normal temperature possible. Fainting and vomiting.	Get victim out of sun. Lay down and loosen clothing. Apply cool wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air conditioned room. Sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue use. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)	High body temperature (106°F, or higher). Hot dry skin. Rapid and strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness.	Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler environment. Reduce body temperature with cold bath or sponging. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing, use fans and air conditioners. If temperature rises again, repeat process. Do not give fluids.

 To function properly, the body must maintain a core temperture of 98.6 degrees. The body's natural response to a deviation from this is perspiration to cool the body, should it get to warm, and shivering, should it get too cold. When it is very hot and humid, the body's natural defense is to sweat profusely (The release of water by the body onto its surface, which cools the body as it evaporates.). When this happens, an individual loses not only water, but also sodium. If this goes on for long enough without replenishing the fluids and electrolytes lost during perspiration, the body will become dehydrated, and the individual may start having symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or heat stroke. Should a person also suffer from sunburn, these reactions could manifest more quickly, due to the skin's decreased ability to regulate the body's heat.