on Yahoo!
Dehydration. Dehydration happens when you lose more fluid than you take in -- and as a result, your body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to carry out its normal functions. The summer heat can cause excessive sweating - especially when being physically active or while exercising -- which in turn can lead to dehydration.
If lost fluids aren't replenished, the consequences can be serious. While you can usually reverse mild dehydration by increasing your intake of fluids, more severe dehydration requires immediate medical treatment.
To prevent dehydration, drink additional water in hot or humid weather to help lower your body temperature and replace lost fluids. Remember: thirst is not always an accurate indicator of dehydration, so drink plenty even if you're not feeling thirsty.
Heatstroke. The most serious of heat-related problems, heatstroke often results from exercise or heavy work in hot environments combined with inadequate fluid intake. Because the body's normal mechanisms for dealing with heat (such as sweating and temperature control) are lost, heatstroke is potentially life threatening.
The main symptom of heatstroke is a significantly elevated body temperature -- generally greater than 104 F (40 C) -- with changes in mental status ranging from personality changes to confusion and coma. If you suspect heatstroke, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical attention.
Other things you can do:
-- Move the person out of the sun to a cool or air-conditioned spot
-- Cover the person with damp sheets or by spraying with cool water
-- Use a fan or newspaper to direct air onto the person
Poor air quality. The hazy days of summer may pose health risks, and not only for people with serious conditions such as asthma, heart disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Smog is actually a toxic mix of pollutants that, after long-term exposure, can damage lung cells, impair the immune system and increase risk for respiratory infection. Even short-term exposure can trigger symptoms in healthy people such as headaches, breathing difficulties, and exhaustion.
So what should you do? Stay informed on the air quality in your area through your local news or online resources such as Environment Canada Air Quality Forecasts and Advisories and The Weather Network. It is generally better to plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the evening, since the level of pollutants generally rises with the temperature. Also, if possible, avoid traffic and heavily congested areas, especially during rush hour. On days when pollutants are high, it's better to turn on the air conditioner and close your windows. For more tips, click here.
Sources: Canadian Cancer Society; The Mayo Clinic.
Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Laura Clay-Ballard
More from 50Plus.com:
Exercise caution on hot summer days
Drinks that pack on the pounds
The dog days of summer
30 Comments
LEAVE YOUR COMMENT
You must sign in to leave a commentcharacter(s) remaining