HOW TO KEEP SAFE IN THE SUMMER – PREVENT HEAT EXAUSTION

THESE PRECAUTIONS ARE ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT IF YOU TAKE A MEDICATION THAT DRYS YOU OUT - ESPECIALLY PSYCHIATRIC MEDICATIONS THAT CAN INCREASE SENSITIVITY TO THE SUN

· DRINK SUFFICIENT FLUIDS –
o 8 CUPS A DAY (4 BOTTLES OF WATER)
o MINIMIZE CAFFINATED DRINKS – THEY’RE DIURETIC (RID THE BODY OF WATER ) AND A STIMULANT ( KEEP YOU UP AT NIGHT)

· USE SUN SCREEN TO PROTECT SKIN
o PREVENT SUN BURN – POTENTIAL CAUSE OF SKIN CANCER
o SPF 30 OR SIMILAR SUN BLOCK

· WEAR LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING –
o REDUCES SUN’S EFFECT
o BLACK/DARK CLOTHING ATTRACTS THE SUN
o WEAR A HAT – KEEP THE SUN OFF YOUR HEAD

· AVOID THE MID DAY SUN
o STAY OUT OF THE SUN BETWEEN 10 AM AND 3PM THE HOTTEST PART OF THE DAY

· NEED TO KEEP BODY COOL – SIGNS OF HEAT STROKE

o FLUSHED DRY SKIN
o ABSENCE OF SWEATING
o RAPID PULSE
o DIFFICULTY BREATHING
o STRANGE BEHAVIOR
o CONFUSION
o AGITATION
o DISORIENTATION
o SEIZURE
o COMA

· IF YOU FEEL STRANGE
o GET COOL
o SPLASH WATER ON YOUR FACE

IN AN EMERGENCY - CALL 911


BE SAFE AND ENJOY THE SUMMER
PRACTICE PREVENTION


By: Eric Malz, PhD, NP