North Adams Regional Hospital’s Emergency Department reminds you that you can take simple steps to stay more comfortable during hot spells this summer. Some suggestions from NARH:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Stay away from alcoholic beverages and caffeinated drinks like colas, ice tea and others. Caffeine is a diuretic and can dehydrate you.
- Avoid strenuous exercise. Reduce physical activity. When exercising, schedule activities during the cooler parts of the day.
- Dress appropriately.
- Young children, especially infants, are at greater risk in hot weather. Make sure kids have enough to drink and are dressed for hot weather. Elderly persons are also at greater risk for heat exhaustion or heatstroke if they are unable to obtain adequate fluids or avoid hot environments.
- NEVER leave children or animals in a parked car on a hot day. Temperatures in a parked car can rise very quickly, causing serious injury or even death.
- Spend time in air-conditioned places. Spending even part of the day in an air-conditioned space will reduce the risk of heatstroke.
- Salt tablets are not recommended and may be dangerous.
Symptoms of heatstroke include a body temperature of 105 degrees or higher and may include disorientation, delirium, and coma. Onset of heatstroke can be rapid.
Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that may develop after several days of high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids and electrolytes. Heat exhaustion is characterized by dizziness, weakness and fatigue.
