Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
As temperatures rise in Kosciusko County, so does the possibility of a heat-related illness.
Outside temperature, humidity and wind are three factors that can seriously affect your body temperature. You should be aware not only of the temperature but the heat index, a calculation that tells how hot it feels outside based on temperature and humidity.
One of the most important things to remember this summer is to drink plenty of water. Although it seems to be common sense, drinking water is necessary to staying healthy in the heat and sun.
It doesn't matter if you are outside in the sun or inside a very hot room, you could face health problems caused by the heat.
Sunburn is one of the most common summer health complaints. The amount of time it takes to get a sunburn will vary for each person based on the person's skin and length of time spent in the sun.
The sun's rays are the most powerful from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you are in the sun for a prolonged period during those hours, the exposure can be more damaging.
Since a sunburn can range from mildly uncomfortable to dangerous, you should consult a medical professional if you get burned.
Karlene Brennan, a staff nurse at MedStat, Warsaw, said that sunscreens do help prevent sunburn. She also said that limiting your time in the sun during peak hours can reduce your chance of sunburn.
If you do get a sunburn, some topical creams are available at local pharmacies that may help the sting. Brennan said it's also important to make sure the skin is clean and dry.
Another potentially dangerous summer-related illness is heat stroke. Many people don't realize that it doesn't take a lot of exposure to heat and sun to be deadly.
Brennan recommends using common sense when being outside. The amount of heat it takes to overwhelm an individual varies, but anyone is at risk. Those at highest risk are the elderly, young children, and people with health problems.
If you have to work outside, do it in the early morning or evening as the day cools. Drink plenty of fluids to keep your body hydrated. Try to stay in shaded or air-cooled areas if possible.
Heat cramps are often the first sign that your body is in trouble. If the symptoms are minor, you should rest in a cool place, apply cool, wet cloths and drink fluids.
If you begin to feel dizzy or disoriented, or stop sweating after you are very hot, you could have heat stroke and should get medical help immediately.
The following are some practical tips from authorities such as the American Red Cross to remember as you have fun in the sun this summer.
@ Drinking at least six to eight, 8-ounce glasses of water every day is important to maintain healthy, hydrated skin. Drinking cool water, not ice-cold, can help the body absorb it more quickly.
@ Drinking plenty of water before and after exercise activity, and every 15 minutes during activity, will help your body stay cool.
@ Avoiding drinks with caffeine and alcohol and only drinking water will help your body absorb liquid faster. Alcohol, including beer, actually dehydrates the body.
@ Staying indoors in air conditioning is safest. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of sunshine. Electric fans do not cool the air but do help sweat evaporate.
@ Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can keep your summer diet cool and light. Plus they are naturally high in water content.
@ Using oil-free skin care products can prevent clogging of pores due to perspiration and oil buildup.
@ Wearing sunscreen and moisturizer with a minimum SPF of 15 can prevent sunburn. Make sure to reapply sunscreen frequently when perspiring and after swimming.
@ Wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors made of natural fibers can help you stay cool and prevent heat rash. Also wearing a hat can help. The light colors will reflect the sun better than dark colors.
