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Even though a hot weather day can be cooled by a thunderstorm, the heat before the storm can do you in. This doesn't have to be in the height of summer, either. The following information is from Meteorologist Bob Weaver (Miami, FL)...entitled "Dehydration".
Remember the pictures of the dying man lost in the Alps when that saintly Saint Bernard comes trotting along with a flask around his neck? The man grabs for the brandy, takes a good long drink, & survives with a smile on his face.
So much for the myth. The truth is that alcohol draws heat from your internal thermometer...and if your body heat is dangerously low, that swig of brandy may draw off enough heat to do you in. I hate to crumble a legend, but a myth is as good as a mile.
Dehydration is a DEFINITE DANGER in hot weather. If you think that you automatically drink enough liquid, think again about the following true story.
The army sent two men into the desert with full canteens of water. Both men returned in a state of dehydration, with their canteens well over HALF FULL!! And, alcohol DOES NOT give you that much needed water; but instead, causes you to LOSE MORE!! So, drink up in hot weather, but make sure that it is a non-alcoholic beverage, please.
The weather around us holds a myriad of mysteries. Strange words, complicated formulas, a host of elements relating to each other; which when compiled and examined, bring to center stage a day of comfort or discomfort. The weather as related to your health has many subtle aspects. Some years ago, a British company forming in Saudi Arabia thought it could prevent worker abscence by hiring local people who were adapted to the heat. The British company had the right idea, but the wrong solution; since it took but a short time for them to realize that they had more heat illness with the local workers than they had from the British workers who were brought in. The Arabs at the time had never worked during the heat of the day, and consequently never became acclimated. Getting the body mechanism adjusted to the climate is primary in preventing serious problems. Adjusting to the climate doesn't simply mean living in it...but working in it, & coping with the prevailing conditions.
Annually, some 175-300 people across the nation lose their lives due to heat related ailments. The elderly and small babies are most vulnerable to the dangers of hot weather. Check on elderly relatives or neighbors often during heat waves. Allow children to play outside for short periods at a time.
HEAT EXHAUSTION symptoms include excessive perspiration, dizziness, nausea, and a low grade fever. To relieve heat exhaustion, bring the person affected into a cooler, shaded, or air conditioned area, and give them time to cool down.
HEATSTROKE is MUCH MORE SERIOUS...which can be FATAL if untreated. Symptoms include hot, dry skin...shallow breating, a racing pulse, and total disorientation. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!!
To better survive hot weather:
* Lightweight, light colored clothing that is loose fitting will keep you most comfortable
* Drinking lots of water is best, and eating citrus fruits will help to replace lost potassium. Do NOT drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages!!
* Avoid the midday or afternoon sun, when the temperatures are the hottest. Try to do outdoor activities during the morning hours. Take frequent breaks, if you start to feel dizzy or too warm.
* Use a highly protective sunscreen. A severe sunburn will not only leave you feeling a lot worse, but it reduces your body's ability to release excess heat.