The MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center emergency department has not seen a noticeable increase in patients due to the recent heat wave.
Here are some essential tips from Robert Wethal, Chief Nursing Officer for MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center, to help people protect themselves from the dangers of heat exhaustion.
* Avoid heat and direct sunlight when possible. The young and elderly are especially vulnerable. People with chronic conditions, such as heart disease, mental health issues, asthma, and high blood pressure, are also at increased risk for heat-related illnesses.
* Make sure you don’t leave small children or pets in a vehicle. Temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels. One tip is to place something important to your day, like a phone, shoe, or work materials, in the back seat with a child. Newer vehicles now include warnings to remind you to check the back seats.
* Eat smaller meals but eat more frequently.
* Check on elderly, sick, and vulnerable friends, neighbors, and relatives several times a day during a hot spell.
* Drink plenty of water, especially when exercising or working outdoors. A good rule is to drink 8 ounces of water every 20 minutes during outdoor activities.
* When possible, complete outdoor work either early in the day or late in the day.
* Take a phone if you walk, jog, or bike ride. If you get into trouble, call for help.
* Avoid alcohol and caffeine drinks. Both act as diuretics, speeding up the loss of fluid.
* Ensure children take regular breaks from outdoor activities. Take a break from outside activity during the hottest part of the day to play games or watch a movie together inside.
* Take care of your skin if you are outdoors. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher and wear a wide-brimmed hat. Reapply sunscreen frequently, especially when swimming.
* Seek shade or air conditioning if you begin to feel dizzy or nauseous.
* Seek medical treatment immediately if you are disoriented, have a high body temperature, are vomiting, or have stopped sweating.
