Tips for beating the heat

Monmouth County Sheriff Shaun Golden and the Monmouth County Health Department are offering residents and visitors the following tips for staying healthy during the heat wave that we are experiencing this week:

Stay in the shade;
If you head to the beach, be sure to bring an umbrella;
Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy;
Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks which speed dehydration;
Slow down. Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day – in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m., and
Eat small meals and eat more often.
Stay indoors in air-conditioning as much as possible;
If your home is not air-conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned location; visit with a friend or neighbor or take a trip to the mall or other public place
Take a cool shower or bath;

Below are some of the County Health Department’s answers to the frequently asked questions about heat stroke:

What is heat stroke?
Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness and occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.

What are the warning signs of a heat stroke?
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may include the following:

An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
Rapid, strong pulse
Throbbing headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Confusion
Unconsciousness

What should I do if I see someone with any of the warning signs of heat stroke?
If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Get the victim to a shady area;
Cool the victim rapidly. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously;
Continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101-102°F;
If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the hospital emergency room for instructions;
Do not give the victim alcohol to drink, and
Get medical assistance as soon as possible.