Tips for Beating the Heat

By Debra Wilden, RN, CCRN, BSN

Given the extreme heat this week, Debra Wilden, RN, CCRN, BSN, Trinity Hospital Twin City Director of Emergency Services, is offering the following tips to help beat the heat and stay safe:

Those most susceptible to heat related illness are senior citizens, children, and people with chronic medical conditions.

Staying inside with air conditioning is the wisest thing to do to prevent heat-induced illness. If a person does not have air conditioning, he or she should seek cool air in local shopping centers and at home by  opening windows and using fans to circulate the air. Never leave a fan unattended due to the risk of the appliance overheating and causing a fire.

Drinking at least six 8 ounce glasses or bottles of water will help to prevent dehydration.

Viral illnesses are on the rise in this hot weather causing vomiting, diarrhea, and headache. Drinking plenty of fluids and seeking emergency care if unable to hold in the fluids will help ease the discomfort and dehydration.

Stay safe everyone.