The current heat wave affecting Western New England is upon us now. Beware
of this situation because it affects many around us. First of all let us
focus on working and playing outside, if one is not used to activity outside
they should limit any activity outside due to easily becoming a victim of
heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Parents pay attention to your children,
hydrate them, apply sun screen and make sure if they are in a pool there is
proper adult supervision.
For the elderly, rest, stay out of the direct sun and drink plenty of
fluids. Please check with your physicians before you attempt activities
outside. Notify family members if your living arrangements do not have
proper ventilation and cooling; if family members are not available contact
local council on aging for guidance. Certain medications can cause early
dehydration and with some memory impairment many elderly may not realize
they are dehydrating.
Remember this fact if you are thirsty and in the heat you are already behind
in the fluids you need, you are in the beginning phase of dehydration.
Below are a list of common signs of dehydration, pay heed to them and if
more than two of these signs are present in a child and/or elderly get them
in the shade and contact a physician for proper care:
General signs of dehydration include
• Thirst
• Less frequent urination
• Dry skin
• Fatigue
• Light-headedness
• Dark colored urine
Signs of dehydration in children include
• Dry mouth and tongue
• No tears when crying
• No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
• Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
• High fever
• Listlessness or irritability
• Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor
immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization. (Source:
excerpt from Diarrhea: NIDDK)
Finally, if you are concerned about family members and have pets this also
affects them the same. Your pet must have shade and fresh water. DO NOT
LEAVE A PET IN A VEHICLE!!
Remember to DRINK and if you can remember if you have had enough fluids you
probably have not. Also AVOID caffeinated and alcohol products.
Thank you for being a part of the solution not a part of the problem
Written by Al Zehelski