Summertime brings more outdoor physical activities and fun for you and your family – adventures that include time spent in the intense Texas heat. Extreme temperatures can be dangerous to young and old alike, increasing the risk of heat-related health conditions.
MarKaye Huntress, Emergency Department Director at HCA Houston Healthcare Mainland, recommends these five steps to help you and your loved ones stay safe in the summer heat:
- Hydrate properly
The summertime heat and humidity can quickly lead to dehydration. Be sure to have fresh, cool fluids readily available. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol, which can actually cause more fluid loss. Remember, your children (especially if very young) may not tell you when they are thirsty. Monitor their fluid intake to ensure appropriate hydration.
- Avoid the hottest times of day
When spending time outside, avoid the extreme heat during the middle of the day. Temperatures are usually the hottest between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Consider limiting your outdoor activities to the mornings and evenings.
- Protect against the sun
Sunscreen is essential for protection from sunburn. Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and lightweight, light-colored clothing can help protect against harmful UV rays while keeping you cool.
- Take frequent breaks
Be sure to take regular breaks from outdoor activities in the heat. This enables you to cool down, hydrate and get time away from the sun.
- Double check your backseat
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, temperatures inside a closed vehicle can climb more than 20 degrees above the outside air temperature in minutes, even with the windows cracked. If a child or pet is left inside, their body temperature can quickly rise to dangerous levels. Never leave a child or pet alone in a car, and always double check your backseat before leaving your vehicle.
While outdoors, monitor yourself and your family members for symptoms of heat stress (including heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat syncope, heat cramps and heat rash) or extreme sunburn. “Some common heat stress symtpoms include confusion, dizziness, pale skin, rapid heart rate, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea,” Pennick advises. “If any of these symptoms appear, immediately move to the shade or an air conditioned room and drink plenty of fluids.”
Other cooling measures include fans, ice towels or a cool shower, bath or sponge bath. If these do not provide relief within 15 minutes, seek emergency medical assistance.
Understanding these precautionary steps can provide you with peace of mind as you enjoy the great outdoors and the carefree days of summer.
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Essentials for Your Summertime First Aid Kit
It’s always a good idea to carry a first aid kit year round, which should include items like sanitizing wipes, latex gloves, bandages, antiseptic and pain relievers. In addition to these basics, consider adding additional items to prepare for the unique needs of the summer months.
Here are seven essential items to include in your summertime first aid kit:
- Antihistamines for allergic reactions to stings and plants – include doses for adults and children
- Hydrocortisone cream to soothe itchy rashes, insect bites and poison ivy
- Sterile tweezers for splinters and ticks
- Instant ice packs for pain, swelling and inflammation from injuries
- Dramamine for sea sickness
- Ear drops to prevent swimmer’s ear infections
- Aloe vera to soothe sunburns
Make sure your first aid kit is easily accessible to you during your summer activities, but safely kept away from small children. Also, keep the kit out of direct sunlight to avoid overheating the medications and creams inside. Review medications frequently to check expiration dates.
