How to stay cool and safe during a heat wave

[New Sancai Compilation First Release] A record-breaking heat wave is spreading across the United States, with the Northeast and Midwest facing high temperatures and sweltering humidity. Experts warn that as body temperatures rise, everyone is at risk of heat-related illness.

Anyone who overheats can develop symptoms such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat cramps. People who spend too much time outdoors may also develop heat rash or sun poisoning, which occurs with severe sunburn.

“Sadly, heat-related deaths and illnesses occur every year,” said Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Experts say those most at risk for heat-related illnesses include children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, people with disabilities, people without air conditioning and people who spend long periods of time outdoors.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke include painful cramps, fever, rapid heartbeat, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, weakness, confusion, irritability, drowsiness, hallucinations, delusions and seizures. If left untreated, coma and death may occur.

To stay safe, weather and health experts offer the following safety tips:

• Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous outdoor activities until the cooler times of the day
• Wear light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when going out
• Avoid direct sunlight and sunburn
• Even if you don't feel thirsty, drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages
• Avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration
• Avoid spicy and greasy foods, which can cause body temperature to rise
• If you are outdoors, apply sunscreen regularly
• Give pets plenty of fresh water and keep them in an air-conditioned indoor environment if possible
• Keep children and pets away from parked cars, which can reach fatal temperatures even in the shade with the windows open
• If the room temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius), keep portable fans away from you as the blown air can dehydrate you faster
• Check for elderly, sick or frail people near you who may need help coping with the heat

People should also be aware of the heat risks posed by illegal and prescription drugs, Calello said in the release. Heat stroke "occurs not only when temperatures reach dangerous levels, but also with the use of certain therapeutic drugs, recreational [legal] drugs and illegal substances," she said. "These prevent the body from cooling down through sweating. Typically, this Serious complications can result, including drug-induced fever, dehydration and death."

Medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics, antipsychotics and stimulants can cause heat-related complications, Calello said.

People should check with their doctor, pharmacist or area poison control center to see if any medications they are taking may increase their sensitivity to heat, she said.

(Compiled by: Wang Jimin)

(Editor: Jiang Qiming)

(Source of the article: Compiled and published by New Sancai)