By Staff
The temperatures exceeded over 100 degrees a few days last week. With the Watermelon Festival only a few days away, it is important to emphasize the value of keeping cool while outside to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Heat exhaustion can lead to a heat stroke if not properly cared for, and of course, we all know that a heat stroke can be fatal.
Since it's impossible to know how each individual will deal with the heat, it's important to know the signs of heat exhaustion and to know what to do when you encounter them.
The symptoms of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, fatigue, headache, pale and clammy skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, fainting, nausea and vomiting.
If you notice that you are beginning to sweat heavily, it's a good idea to go to a shady area to cool off as soon as possible. Drinking cool, not icy, drinks is essential to avoiding heat exhaustion and avoid drinking anything with sugar, caffeine, salt, or alcohol, which tend to dehydrate you more. Water or sports drinks are best.
Pregnant women, young children and elderly citizens tend to be more susceptible to heat exhaustion, so caution should be used when outside in extreme heat.
We want everyone to enjoy the last month of summer, but with caution and moderation. We'll see you at the Watermelon Festival next week.