HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY-BE COOL!

The predicted weather for the MS Gulf Coast during this holiday weekend shows the average temperature around 86. Couple that with the humidity factor, and we're looking at some serious heat! It's the price we pay to live in such a fantastic place, but we need to all practice simple safety measures to avoid heat related illness such as exhaustion or heat stroke.

The number one rule is to stay hydrated. Don't wait to drink until you are thirsty or active, stay hydrated regardless. Avoid alcoholic beverages or sugary drinks as these usually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also avoid very cold drinks because this can cause cramps. If you are active outdoors during peak hours, doctors recommend you drink at least 32 ounces of cool water or sports beverages such as Gatorade every hour that you are outdoors.

When dressing to be in hot conditions keep your attire light weight, light colored and loose fitting. Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and SPF 15 or higher sun block.

Consider the well being of your loved ones and pets by checking regularly on infants and young children outdoors as well as the elderly or handicapped. Prepare outdoor pets with abundant water to drink and shady places to rest. Never leave a person or animal in a closed vehicle. Each year, dozens of children and pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Hyperthermia is an acute condition that occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate.

Heat-Related Illness Symptoms and First Aid

HEAT CRAMPS

Symptoms:


Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen


Heavy sweating


First Aid:


Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm.


Give sips of water, if nausea occurs, discontinue water

HEAT EXHAUSTION

Symptoms:


Heavy sweating


Weakness


Cool, pale, clammy skin


Weak pulse


Possible muscle cramps


Dizziness


Nausea and vomiting


Fainting


Normal temperature possible


First Aid:


Move person to a cooler environment


Remove or loosen clothing


Apply cool, wet cloths


Fan or move victim to air conditioned room


Offer sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue water. If vomiting continues, seek immediate medical attention.

HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke)

Symptoms:


Altered mental state


Possible throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing


High body temperature (106°F or higher)


Skin may be hot and dry, or patient may be sweating


Rapid pulse


Possible unconsciousness


First Aid:


Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Summon emergency medical assistance or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.


Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment


Reduce body temperature with a water mister and fan or sponging


Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s


Use extreme caution


If temperature rises again, repeat process


Do NOT give fluids

Have a safe and Happy 4th of July and stay healthy all summer long!

If you are on the Gulf Coast, contact your Trusted Choice agent, SouthGroup-Gulf Coast http://www.southgroupgulfcoast.com / , SERVICE TEAM: Angelyn Treutel, Tammy Garfield, Dawn Garza, Tammy Hogue, Brittany Jones, Wendy Johnson, Denise Russell, Melissa Moran, Alex Treutel, Susan Monti, Kayleigh Davis, Anne Gillam, Ashlie Moody, and Whitney Zimmerman at SouthGroup Gulf Coast. You can reach us by snail-mail: 412 Hwy 90, Suite 6, Bay St Louis MS 39520, email: atreutel@southgroup.net , phone:228-466-4498, fax:888-415-8922,

FaceBook www.facebook.com/southgroup.gulfcoast , or Twitter www.twitter.com/atreutel ! We now have 3 locations to serve you - 2505 Pass Road - Biloxi, 5400 Indian Hill-Diamondhead, and 412 Hwy 90 Ste 6-Bay Saint Louis, MS.

Thanks to Susan Monti for her words of wisdom!