Tips for Staying Cool

Heat-related illnesses are never given much thought until they actually occur. They are however conditions that we are all susceptible to especially if we are living in areas that are prone to heat waves (prolonged periods of heat and humidity). In warm climates and seasons such as summer where the atmosphere is of high pressure but no rain or rain clouds, the ground, concrete buildings can easily heat to extreme points. A stagnant high pressure area can inflict a persistent heat wave. If is therefore important to try to stay cool during a hot climate.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and alcohol as factors that can impose heat-related conditions during hot climates. This means that persons that are affected by any of these factors will more likely succumb to heat-related conditions and must therefore exercise due caution and measures to stay cool in situations that can trigger heat-related illnesses.

Heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke, occur when the body is unable to stay cool as the evaporation of sweat is slowed by the increased moisture in the air resulting in high body temperatures of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Heat cramps is a less severe condition however they are painful, and involve involuntary muscle spasms resulting from intense physical exercise in a hot climate or environment. The most commonly affected muscles are the calves, arms, abs, and back. More