Richmond moms are enjoying summer fun!
The kids are out of school, the smells of grilling and sunscreen are in the air and the temperatures in Richmond have surpassed the 90 degree mark. It can only mean one thing: summer is here! As we head into the hot, summer months, it becomes more important than ever to protect yourself and your loved ones from the extreme heat and sun.
Heat illnesses can happen to anyone, but the following individuals are at higher risk for developing them: elderly people (65 +), infants and children and individuals with chronic medical conditions. There are three degrees of heat illness:
- Heat cramps: Intense muscle pains or spasms that may occur during strenuous activity.
- Heat exhaustion: May occur after several days of intense heat without adequate replacement of fluids. Warning signs include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting or fainting. If left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke.
- Heat stroke: Occurs when the body’s cooling system fails and if not properly treated, can cause severe disability or even death. Warning signs include: an extremely high body temperature (above 103°F, orally); red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating); rapid, strong pulse; throbbing headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion and unconsciousness.
When you choose to do activities outdoors, the following tips can be helpful in preventing heat illnesses.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, but avoid those with alcohol and sugar
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle
In addition to the extreme heat and humidity, it’s important to protect yourself and your loved ones from the harmful rays of the sun. Remember, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan!
- Avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you must be outdoors, seek shade when you can.
- Remember that the sun’s rays can be reflected by sand, water, snow, ice and pavement. Its rays can also go through light clothing, windshields, windows and clouds.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants. Avoid loosely woven fabrics.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, neck and ears. Keep in mind that baseball caps and some sun visors protect only parts of your skin.
- Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation to protect the skin around your eyes.
- Use sunscreen lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the product’s recommended amount to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside and apply again every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Be sure that your sunscreen lotion filters both UVB and UVA radiation.
No matter where your summer plans take you, we hope you enjoy the season with family and friends and take the appropriate measures to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time!
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