By Dee Anne Griffin
With the recent South Carolina scorching summer, there is an increased risk of heat related injuries such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke. As our temperatures soar past 95 and the humidity levels rise above 80%, safety becomes a priority.
Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, cool moist heat (despite being in the heat), dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue or weakness, nausea or vomiting, headache, muscle cramps or aches, rapid pulse, fainting or feeling faint, confusion, low blood pressure (when standing). If you experience these symptoms you need to act and act fast to avoid the progression to heatstroke.
Heatstroke is a severe heat-related illness and a medical emergency. Common symptoms of heatstroke include high body temperature (103 or higher), hot dry skin, confusion (agitation or delirium), slurred speech or altered mental state, seizures, rapid heartbeat or strong pulse, rapid shallow breathing, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle weakness or cramps, loss of consciousness or coma. Heatstroke can develop from untreated heat exhaustion or can occur suddenly without symptoms of heatstroke. Treatment includes moving the person to a cool area, apply cool cloths and call 911.
Those most vulnerable are children, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions.
South Carolina’s high temperatures combined with the humidity makes for the perfect situation for heat exhaustion or heatstroke to occur. Some tips to avoid heat related injuries include recommendation to increase your water intake in the summer, wear loose clothing, and avoid strenuous activity during the heat of the day (typically considered from 10 am to 4 pm). It is also a good idea to check on neighbors (especially seniors) without air conditioning.
Drink your water and stay safe out there.
Dee Anne Griffin owns Dynamic Health Solutions, LLC and is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She has worked in the medical field for more than 20 years. She listens and recommends different options to create a unique plan that fits each individual. When not practicing medicine Griffin spends time on her family farm tending to her animals and is very active in her church. Contact her at 803-454-1661. Her offices are located at 169 A Medical Circle, West Columbia.