Summer Heat Dangers

Yesterday, Patrick wrote about the programs available for those in need of an air conditioner.  This is very good information, but what about when you are out at the many events this weekend?  Whether you are planning to go to a Cardinals game, Pridefest, or just spend some time in the park, the heat is something to consider and take adequate precautions against.  

The heat is serious enough that there have even been requests to push back Cardinals games until later at night when it’s cooler. From KPLR 11:

 The Cardinals say they’re hands are tied in rejecting a city request to move Saturday’s game to avoid oppressive heat. The heat wave is expected to last until Sunday, and one of the hottest days is shaping up to be Saturday. The Cardinals are back in town and have a game scheduled at 12:10 Saturday afternoon. The temperature expected to be flirting with triple digits and that is concerning to city hall and the St. Louis fire department.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two serious health dangers that exist this time of the year and especially are dangerous to the elderly.  St. Louis Ultraviolet (UV) Index provided the Environmental Protection Agency is also really high; a 9 out of 11 which is considered ’very high.’ 

Protection against sun damage is needed. If you need to be outside during midday hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., take steps to reduce sun exposure. A shirt, hat and sunscreen are a must, and be sure you seek shade.

St. Louis is especially affected by high temperatures because of the nature of cities themselves.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency notes this trend:

Conditions that can induce heat-related illnesses include stagnant atmospheric conditions and poor air quality. Consequently, people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Also, asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the “urban heat island effect.”

Heat exhaustion is easy to succumb to and the symptoms are easy to ignore.  They include: dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, weak and rapid pulse, cool skin, and sweating slows down. 

Heat stroke is much more serious and anyone with the following conditions should seek medical assistance.  Symptoms include: very high body temperature; no sweating; disorientation, hallucinations, delirium; rapid breathing and a fast pulse, then slow breathing and a weak pulse; convulsions; and loss of consciousness.

Everyone should not be hesitant to have fun this weekend, but please be safe out there and take the appropriate precautions to protect yourself from heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or a nasty sunburn.

Posted by The Core Editor on Jun 26 2009. Filed under Health. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.