Photo by stockcake.com
By: Hannah Darnell, RN
It’s a scorcher today along with every day for the rest of the week, if our bets are on the weathermen, or app of your choice. Today being 94° and humid, it feels like a hot oven flash wave to your body as you dare go out into the desert. Your body loses fluid from the time you wake up in the morning, until bedtime. It’s like a game of tug and war with your body’s water and electrolytes. (1)
Things you should do to reduce the risk of heat stroke:
- Take frequent breaks if doing yardwork, better yet, wait until evening hours when cooler, or early morning. (2)
- Drink, drink, and drink some more! If you’re thirsty, chances are you’re already dehydrated and your body is tugging fluid from other cells. The kidneys release hormones that signal your brain and taste buds/tongue, alerting you to say I need water! (1)
- Stay shady my friends! The yardwork or whatever outdoor chore you have can be done in small sections at a time. It’s not worth straining your heart, potentially passing out from drought while working alone. “People who work or need to be out in the heat should drink 8 oz. of water every 20 minutes. Even if you're inside, you should still remember to drink plenty of water when it's hot outside.” (2)
If you must manicure your lawn, have your spouse, a neighbor or friend check-in with you at intervals to make sure you are safe. It’s so important to look out for your elderly neighbors, you don’t have to spy, but just keep an eye out for their safety as well.
References:
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/reasons-why-you-may-be-feeling-really-thirsty
- https://health.ucdavis.edu/blog/cultivating-health/is-it-heat-exhaustion-or-heat-stroke-here-are-the-symptoms-to-watch-for/2024/07
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