When thinking about extreme and deadly weather, most people conjure up images of massive tornadoes in the Midwest or hurricanes and flooding in the Southeast. But you might be surprised to learn that the deadliest extreme weather event is excessive heat. In fact, according to a study from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), heat causes more deaths each year than floods, lightning, tornadoes, and hurricanes combined . Since 2020 was the second warmest year on record and all the other years in the top 10 have occurred since 2005, it’s time to wise up about heat-related illnesses. HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES AND RISK FACTORS According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heat-related illnesses are caused by “exposure to extreme heat where the body becomes unable to properly cool, resulting in a rapid rise in body temperature.” There are several kinds of heat-related illnesses. The least severe are heat rashes, sunburn, and heat cramps, and the most serious are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. While anyone can experience these illnesses if they overexert themselves in hot weather, some groups are more at risk than others, including: • Children under the age of 4 and adults over the age of 65 • People with preexisting medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease • People who are overweight Stay Cool This Summer EDUCATE YOURSELF ON HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES
• People taking certain kinds of medication • Individuals who are intoxicated or drink excessively
SYMPTOMS TOWATCH OUT FOR Both heat exhaustion and heat stroke have many of the same symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, and passing out. But other symptoms help differentiate the two. Heat stroke victims will have hot, red skin that may be dry or damp, and they’ll likely have a fast, strong pulse. By contrast, victims of heat exhaustion will have cold, pale, and clammy skin and a fast but weak pulse. Heat stroke is a medical emergency requiring professional medical attention immediately. You should also seek medical help for anyone exhibiting the above symptoms who is also throwing up or whose symptoms are getting worse or last longer than one hour. For a complete list of symptoms and treatment for all heat-related illnesses, visit CDC.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html . Stay cool this summer and prevent heat-related illnesses by seeking shade or staying indoors on hot days, avoiding exerting yourself in the heat, and drinking plenty of water!
Don’t Sweat It! STAY HYDRATED AND COOL THIS SUMMER
Ingredients: 5 oz pure orange juice 5 oz water 1 pinch sea salt
July is the hottest month of the year, and while you try to fight off sweat and stay cool, your body can take the brunt of this sweltering heat. In addition to the many effects heat can have on your body, one of the greatest risks you face during the summer is becoming dehydrated. As your body tries to keep cool in high temperatures, it uses sweat to regulate the temperature of your body. However, this sweat depletes your hydration levels, leaving you at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. There are a few easy ways to prevent dehydration. You can start by taking cool showers or baths to keep your body temperature low. Consume foods high in water content like melons, avoid consuming alcohol, and work out during cooler parts of the day.
In an attempt to curb dehydration, you may be tempted to reach for sports drinks that promise to refuel your body with electrolytes. Sports drinks can help your body replenish nutrients you may have lost during exercise, yardwork, or other strenuous activities, but in return for the electrolytes, you are consuming loads and loads of sugar. While tasty, regularly consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to inflammation, weight gain, an increased desire for sugar, acne breakouts, and many other side effects. Water should always be your first choice to maintain hydration, but when you need to combat dehydration or need to quench your thirst with more flavor, don’t look to sports drinks. Instead, try making your own natural version with less sugar! Dr. Sladic has a great recipe:
Directions: Combine all the ingredients, stir, and enjoy!
This drink has just the right amount of natural sugar your body needs to replenish its electrolytes, and the dilution with the water helps you regulate how much sugar you consume. Dr. Sladic enjoys this drink when he needs to replenish his electrolytes on a hot summer day, and he has many other recipes and natural solutions to common health conditions you may be facing. You can learn more or schedule a consultation with Dr. Sladic by calling 877-861-5927 today.
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