Tips on Dealing With the Phoenix Heat

When temperatures hit 100 degrees its hot but its a pain that's more bearable then when the heat gets over 110 degrees. Remember these are in the shade temperatures. In the open sun the heat and fierce sun can be deadly. The city of Phoenix has some tips for keeping cool and healthy in times of extreme heat.

"Tips to Keep Cool and Healthy During Times of Extreme Heat from: http://phoenix.gov/NEWSREL/ARCHIVE/2008/MAY/10605heat.html

Even healthy people should take it easy during extremely high temperatures, and those with respiratory and other health problems must be especially careful. Stay out of the sun as much as possible. Drink extra fluids, but avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can cause dehydration. The best ways to prevent a sun stress emergency are:

• Drink before you’re thirsty and drink often.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Wear a hat or cap, keep the neck covered and wear loose fitting clothing.
• If you can, work in the cool hours of the day or evening.

According to the Phoenix Fire Department, heat-related injuries fall into three major categories:

• Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms that occur when the body loses electrolytes during profuse sweating or when inadequate electrolytes are taken into the body. They usually begin in the arms, legs or abdomen, and often precede heat exhaustion. Treatment for heat cramps is to rest in the shade, get near a fan, spray the person with water and massage the cramp.
• Heat exhaustion is a medical emergency. When a person is suffering from heat exhaustion, they will perspire profusely and most likely will be pale. It is best treated by taking the patient to a cool place, applying cool compresses, elevating the feet and giving the patient fluids.
• Heatstroke is the worst heat-related injury. The brain has lost its ability to regulate body temperature. The patient will be hot, reddish and warm to the touch. Their temperature will be markedly high and there will be no perspiration. This is a medical emergency - call 9-1-1. The emergency care of heatstroke is to cool the body as quickly as possible. One of the best methods for cooling the body during a heat emergency is to wrap the patient in cool, wet sheets.

Tips to avoid heat related illness:

• • Never leave infants, children or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • Increase fluid intake, regardless of activity level. Don’t wait until thirsty to drink fluids; drink more liquid than one’s thirst indicates.
  • Avoid “heat hangover.” Continue to drink fluids even after strenuous activity. This will enable the body to maintain optimum hydration, and help prevent the after effects of heat exposure such as headaches and fatigue.
  • Avoid beverages containing alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar as they dehydrate the body.
  • Avoid very cold beverages as they cause stomach cramps.
  • Never depend on thirst to signal when and how much to drink. Instead, drink five to seven ounces of fluids every 15 to 20 minutes to replenish the necessary fluids in the body.
  • Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun is at its peak intensity. If active during this time frame, drink a minimum of 16 to 32 ounces of water each hour.
  • Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, may increase the risk of heat-related illness. Consult your physician if you have questions.
  • Take advantage of free air conditioning! Visit shopping malls, movie theaters or the library to escape the heat for a few hours.

Outdoor Protection:

• • When outdoors, wear a sunscreen with a minimum SPF15. Apply at least 30 minutes prior to going outdoors and re-apply as necessary.
  • Rest frequently in shady areas so that the body's temperature has a chance to recover.
  • If unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, gradually increase the pace and limit exercise or work time.

Clothing:

• • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect the eyes.
  • Use a wide-brimmed hat to provide shade and keep the head cool.
  • Take special precaution with infants and young children by dressing them in loose, cool clothing and shading their heads

Cars and Heat

Continue reading this post with a large list of things to do during the Phoenix hot summer.