My brother-in-law Peach and nephew Myles love summer in Maine but know enough to seek shelter in the shade when it gets too hot. Right now it’s so hot and steamy the Maine CDC issued the following heat alert:
Heat Alert
Heat Advisory on Tuesday July 3, 2018, for all counties in Maine. An extended period of hot and humid weather is expected across the region throughout the week. Wear loose clothing, drink plenty of fluids, and take breaks in the shade if you are working or playing outside. Visit older adults and people with chronic medical conditions to make sure they are staying cool and hydrated. Maine CDC
Seems like a pretty good time to go over the basics of heat-related illnesses — how to recognize and treat them.
Heat-related illnesses
Here’s a rundown of heat-related illnesses, their symptoms and what to do. Again, courtesy of the Maine CDC.
Heat stroke
- hot, dry, red skin (no sweating)
- rapid pulse
- high body temperature (≥ 105 F)
- headache
- loss of alertness
- confusion
- rapid and shallow breathing
- unconsciousness or coma
What to do: Call 911 immediately. Cool the person rapidly by moving them out of the sun and into a shady or cooler area; applying cool water or ice to the head, neck, armpits and groin area; fanning; and loosening their clothing.
To read the rest of “Warning: Too much time in the heat can make you sick (pets, too),” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writer Diane Atwood, please follow this link to the BDN online.
