HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals offer tips to stay cool and safe this summer
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EAU CLAIRE – As summer sets in and temperatures begin to rise, it’s important to keep cool and stay hydrated. Hot weather can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sometimes death.
“Extreme heat wears on the body’s organs and muscles,” said Erin Hunt, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Emergency Services interim director. “Babies, young children and people 65 and older are at high risk because their bodies are more susceptible to the effects of heat.”
HSHS Sacred Heart and St. Joseph’s hospitals offer these tips to stay cool and safe:
• Stay in air-conditioned buildings.
• Never leave infants or children in a parked car.
• Limit outdoor activity.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Check on at-risk friends, family and neighbors at least twice a day.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Regularly apply sunscreen.
• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings.
If you or someone you know experience any of the following symptoms, move to a cooler location, apply cool rags to your body and drink water. If symptoms do not improve, call 911 to seek medical attention immediately.
• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Weak pulse
• Fainting and vomiting
If someone is experiencing the below symptoms, do not wait, call 911 immediately.
• High body temperature
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness
