It’s summer time once again and your kids are excited for your annual trip to a theme park. Whether you plan to visit Disney World this time or go to Sea World for the nth time, you must take heat-related health emergencies seriously.
With temperatures expected to reach historic levels this summer, there’s a chance that you or any of your family members may suffer from heat exhaustion, heat rash, heat cramps and heat stroke. Here are some things you need to learn about these health disorders caused by overexposure to the harmful rays of the sun and how to give first aid treatment.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is common amongst the elderly, as well as those with high blood pressure and those working in a hot environment. It’s unlikely but not impossible that you’ll get heat exhaustion while in the theme park. There are several noticeable signs of heat exhaustion like fatigue, dizziness, headache, heavy sweating, fainting, and vomiting.
Other symptoms of heat exhaustion are fast and weak pulse rate, and fast and shallow breathing. The skin may also be moist. If left untreated, heat exhaustion may progress to heat stroke.
Heat Stroke
This happens when the body fails to regulate its temperature. As the temperature rises quickly, the tendency is for the body’s sweating mechanism to fail and thus a person is unable to cool down. Heat stroke happens when the body’s temperature suddenly rises to 106 degrees or higher in just 10 minutes. If emergency help is not immediately provided, heat stroke can cause permanent disability and even death.
How do you recognize heat stroke aside from the high body temperature? Symptoms of this disorder include dizziness, nausea, rapid and strong pulse. The individual may also have red and dry skin but is not sweating. Or he or she may be confused, or suddenly get unconscious.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps is common among people who visit theme parks during the summer months. It occurs to people who sweat profusely, and the sweating drains their body of salt and moisture. When there is minimal salt level in the muscles, painful cramps follow. In some cases, heat cramps is also a symptom of heat exhaustion.
People who complain of muscle pain in the arms, abdomen and legs after being under the sun for a while could be suffering from heat cramps. Those who have heart problems and suffer from heat cramps should be given medical attention right away.
First Aid and Prevention Tips
If you or any of your family members experience any of the aforementioned symptoms, take a rest right away. You must also retreat to a shady area or go to a part of the theme park with air-conditioning like restaurants. Drinking cool and non-alcoholic beverages should also ease the symptoms immediately.
In case of heat rashes, use dusting powder on the affected area. Don’t use ointments and cream as these can only worsen the condition.
Before going to a theme park, check the local weather forecast. If the forecast is that the day you’ll be in the theme park would be hot and humid, then ask your family members to wear light clothes. Always bring and drink bottled water to avoid heat exhaustion.
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