SUMMER SAFETY
It’s the time of year when we sometimes have to choose between comfort and convenience. Summer in Arizona can be a fun time, but also a dangerous time. Much like the people in the Midwest and Northeast need to respect the cold in the winter; we need to respect the heat in the summer.
Never Leave Children Alone Around Water
Summertime is when we see an increase in children drowning. This is why the campaign of “A Second is a Second Too Long” was started. We may think that we are only going to be a second, but at times we get distracted, and that’s when tragedy can strike. Nearly every child drowning is preventable if we resolve to never leave children alone around water.
Don’t Leave Your Car Running
Another problem that occurs more frequently in the summer is opportunistic car thefts. This happens when someone leaves their vehicle running while they pop in to the post office, dry cleaners, or convenience store. Rather than shutting the engine off, they want to leave the AC on to keep the car cool. They come out only to find their vehicle gone while still under the impression that they were only inside for a moment.
Don’t Leave Children or Pets in the Car
Whereas leaving a car running can be a problem, just the opposite can be a problem too. We have all heard stories of someone turning their car off to “just run in” while leaving a child or pet inside. Despite the numerous national campaigns warning of the dangers of such actions, this is still happening. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise to dangerous levels in a matter of minutes when the air conditioning is not running. Even if you leave the windows slightly open, it is not enough to significantly decrease the heating rate. Brain damage, dehydration, and even death can occur in just minutes from the internal heat of a parked car in the summer. This has already happened in the Valley this year when the outside temperature was well below 100.
Prevention and Awareness
There are other preventable, and sometimes serious, issues that happen more during summer in the valley. These conditions range from rashes and dehydration, to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Like any other health condition, prevention is key to avoid these specific heat related issues. Preventative measures include keeping hydrated, staying in the shade, and restricting strenuous outdoor activities until the cooler evening hours. Second only to prevention is learning to recognize the symptoms of these conditions and address them as soon as possible.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most frequently seen conditions during the summer months. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water and that percentage is even higher for babies and children. Hydrating with enough water is especially important during the summer months. Experts say that each day we need about one ounce of water for every two pounds of bodyweight. Sports drinks can also help, but watch out for the sugar content when consuming them. Limit drinks containing alcohol as well because they are actually diuretics. Consumption of alcoholic beverages encourages the kidneys to lose extra fluid and increases the body’s need for water.
Dehydration can come on quickly when we are losing more fluids than we are taking in so it’s important to recognize the following signs:
• Increased thirst.
• Dry mouth.
• Heart palpitations.
• Decreased and dark urine output.
• Headache.
• Dry skin.
• Dizziness.
What to do if you suspect dehydration:
You can usually reverse mild to moderate dehydration by drinking more fluids, but severe dehydration needs immediate medical treatment.
Heat Exhaustion
Doing activities in a hot environment can outpace the body’s ability to cool itself, causing heat-related symptoms. Heat exhaustion can occur with or without dehydration occurring.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
• Profuse sweating
• Weakness
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Possible muscle cramps
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting
What to do if you suspect heat exhaustion:
• Move the individual (even if it’s you) to a cooler environment
• Lay down and loosen clothing
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of the body as possible
• Fan the individual as much as possible
• Offer sips of water
• If person vomits more than once, seek immediate medical attention.
Heat Stroke
Although heat exhaustion is a serious condition, heat stroke is an even more serious condition, which requires emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of heat stroke include:
• An altered mental state
• One or more of the following symptoms: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, or shallow breathing
• A body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red, skin (dry or moist)
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
What to do if you suspect heat stroke:
• Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath.
• Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures.
• Do NOT give fluids.
Despite high temperatures, summer can be an amazing and fun time in our community and the valley as a whole. Prevention of summer dangers is key. Drink plenty of water, wear light, breathable fabrics, use sunscreen, and avoid prolonged sun exposure. We need to promote awareness and educate everyone about summer
safety. Desert Ridge is a much better place when we have involvement from our community members.
Stay cool out there.
