Staying healthy in the heat
In order to help our students and their families have a safe and healthy summer, We are sharing the following information that is provided by the Maine Center for Disease Control.
Keep cool:
Use air conditioning to cool down or go to an air-conditioned building such as a
store or a library. If you don’t have air conditioning in your home, keep windows and
shades closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your home.Take a cool shower
or bath. Fans are not effective when temps are hotter than 90 degrees, wear loose,
lightweight, light colored clothing.Stay out of the sun as much as possible – especially
during the hottest part of the day between 10 am and 4 pm. Wear sunscreen (SPF 15
or greater) and a ventilated hat (i.e. straw or mesh) when in the sun, even if it is cloudy
and check the local news for health and safety updates
Never leave children, pets or those with special needs in a parked car,
even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become dangerous within a few
minutes. Fluids Drink more fluids regardless of your activity level Avoid alcohol, caffeine and sugary drinks, since these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. If you are on fluid restrictions or on diuretics, ask your doctor how much fluid Intake you need. Rest frequently and take regular breaks from physical activity – at least every hour. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day (between 11 am and 4 pm)
Recognizing the early signs of serious heat related illnesses:
Heat stroke is a life threatening condition. Body temperatures can reach
dangerous levels. Warning signs include: hot, dry, red skin (no sweating), rapid
pulse, high body temperature (equal to or greater than 103 degrees), headache,
loss of alertness, confusion, rapid and shallow breathing and unconsciousness
or coma. Emergency 911 should be called immediately. While waiting for
assistance, cool the person rapidly with such methods as moving them to a
shady or cooler area, using cool water on the head, neck armpits and groin, ice,
fans and loosening their clothing. If the person is awake give them cool fluids.
Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people over exert themselves in high
heat and humidity. Symptoms include heavy sweating, fainting; vomiting; cold, pale, and
clammy skin; dizziness; headache; nausea; and weakness. Heat exhaustion can quickly turn
into heat stroke.
Move the person to a cool place, have them sip water or non alcoholic and non caffeinated beverages. Have them rest, loosen their clothes and cool them off with water or wet cloths. If symptoms worsen or do not improve in 30 minutes or if vomiting continues, get medical help.
Dehydration
Dehydration happens when the body loses a lot of water and salt. This can happen if someone has been out in the heat for a long period of time. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening. Infants and the elderly are more likely to become severely dehydrated. Call 911 for severe dehydration. Signs and symptoms include extreme thirst, dry skin and mouth, little to no urination, rapid heartbeat and breathing, dizziness and confusion. For dehydration that is not severe: drink fluids, move to a cool location, lie down and rest.
Heat cramps are muscle cramps in the abdominal area or extremities (e.g. arms
and legs) that often occur in people who sweat a lot during strenuous activity and as a
result their muscles lose salt and moisture. There is usually heavy sweating and mild
nausea. Move the person to a cool place to rest and carefully stretch and massage the
cramped muscle. Have the person drink some cool beverages such as water or a
sports drink. Avoid exercise or heavy work for a few hours. Seek medical attention if no
improvement or conditions worsens.
Sunburn damages the skin and causes the skin to become red, painful and
warm after sun exposure get out of the sun, cover skin with lightweight clothing, use
cool cloths on burn areas and use aloe or other moisturizing lotions. Do not use salves
or ointments as they retain the heat. Talk to your medical care provider if blisters or
severe pain occurs or if you have an infant with sunburn.
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot humid
weather and is most common in young children. The rash looks like a red cluster
of pimples or small blister and is most common in the neck and upper chest and
creases such as in the elbow and groin. Move the person to a cooler place and keep
the affected area dry. The person can also use dusting powder or cornstarch for
comfort.
Please remember that heat related illnesses are preventable.
We wish you a safe, healthy summer
The Saco School Nurse team
Sandra R. Lauzier R.N - Burns School
Joan Holmes R.N. - SMS
Jessica Morgan R.N. - Fairfield/Young
Moriah Goff LPN - Fairfield / Young
More information can be found at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat/keepcool.html