Stay cool in extreme heat Summer sun can be a lot of fun. But summertime heat waves—also called extreme heat events—aren’t so fun. They’re uncomfortable and dangerous, sometimes causing illness or even death. Anyone can be harmed by exposure to extreme heat. But some people are especially vulnerable: ● Older adults (65+). ● Infants and children. ● People with chronic medical conditions. ● People without air conditioning. ● Athletes. ● Outdoor workers. ● Pregnant people. Signs of heat-related illness If you do have to be out during an extreme heat event, knowing the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke is key. It could even be lifesaving. You may have heat exhaustion if you experience: ● Muscle cramps. ● Heavy sweating. ● Pale or cold skin. ● Weakness and/or confusion. ● Dizziness. ● Headache. ● Nausea or vomiting. ● Fast heartbeat. ● Dark-colored urine. Heatstroke, the more serious of the two conditions, includes symptoms like: ● High temperature of 104 degrees or above. ● Flushed, red skin. ● Absence of sweating. ● Difficulty breathing. ● Fainting. ● Seizures. If you or a loved one has any of these symptoms, immediately get to a cool place. If you can’t get to an air-conditioned building, at least find some shade. Once there: ● Lie down and elevate the legs to get blood flowing to the heart. ● Remove tight or extra clothing. ● Place cool, wet towels on the skin, or take a cool (not cold) bath to lower internal body temperature. ● Take small sips of fluids like water or a sports drink. Don’t drink anything with caffeine or alcohol. Get emergency help if symptoms don’t improve or you still have a fever of 102 degrees after 30 minutes of initial treatment. If you or someone else goes into shock, faints, has seizures or isn’t breathing, call 911 immediately and begin CPR on the person who isn’t breathing. If you’ve experienced a heat-related illness, be sure to rest and let your body recover. You’ll be more sensitive to heat for about a week afterward. Stay cool, and avoid exercise. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to your regular routine. Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Federal Emergency Management Agency Use plenty of sunscreen. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when you go outside. Have a first aid kit. Keep a kit in your car for emergencies. Don’t leave your pet in the car. Cracking the windows won’t stop the car from quickly reaching dangerous temperatures. Don’t let young children light fireworks. Consider enjoying a public fireworks show instead of lighting fireworks yourself. Keep an eye on the grill. Watch out for kids and pets. And use long-handled utensils to protect yourself. Supervise children near water. A struggling swimmer can submerge in as little as 20 seconds. Sources: American Cancer Society; American Red Cross; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Fire Administration summer safety steps 6 For questions regarding your urgent care or emergency room benefits or for assistance locating a contracted facility, please contact Member Services using the phone number listed on the back of your ID card. Additional resources and up-to-date information are also available at www.kerncountyhealthbenefits.com. Our team is here to help ensure that you receive the care you need in the most appropriate setting.
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