Doctor’s Orders During a Heat Wave
It is officially the first day of summer and we’re definitely experiencing a heat wave here in the Washington DC/Northern Virginia area. In fact, there have been advisory alerts issued related to the heat – please take a moment to review DC’s Heat Emergency Plan.- (June 20, 2012)
We all look for summer to enjoy outdoor activities, so Dr. Tushar Patel from Inova Internal Medicine – Centreville wants you to be prepared for too much sun, heat and dehydration, which can lead to heat stroke. Dr. Patel indicated that frequent heat stroke symptoms include, fatigue, exhaustion, extreme weakness or confusion and you can prevent heat stroke by staying hydrated and avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
This summer, pools, parks and the great outdoors are great ways to enjoy your summer days and nights. For a full listing of pools in the Northern Virginia area see Northern Virginia Magazine’s Guide to Public Pools. If you plan on spending any time outdoors in the heat this summer, here are a few tips to protect you and your family from dehydration:
- Drink plenty of fluids, especially when working or playing in the sun.
- Make sure you are drinking more fluids than you are losing.
- Try to plan physical outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day (early morning/evening).
- Drink appropriate sports drinks to help maintain electrolyte balance if you are exercising outside more than 90 minutes.
- For infants and young children, solutions such as Pedialyte® will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make fluid and salt solutions at home for children.
Stay safe (and cool) out there!
Thanks for the tips on dealing with hot weather. I am a licensed US Coast Guard Boat Captain chartered by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission to do guide trips on the Potomac. What advice do you have for fishing on very hot days where the air quality is code orange? Leave the boat in the driveway or are there some steps to take to ensure a safe trip in hot weather.
V/R
Michael Hall
571-236-1918
“Code Orange means poor air quality(Air Quality Index 102-150) and a caution for sensitive groups including active children and adults. People with respiratory disease such as asthma, should avoid prolonged outdoor exertion. For these groups, keeping the boat in the driveway is safe. The sun’s direct rays and reflections from water during fishing and boating are intense and can be problematic in combination with poor air quality. If you must be out in the sun, a good sun protection plan can help prolong fun on the water. Be sure to apply sunscreen liberally. Choose a brand marked “broad-spectrum protection” with (SPF) 50 or higher. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Also be sure protect eyes by wearing polarized sunglasses with 100 percent UVA/UVB protection and wrap-around style glasses with dark lenses. And, dress appropriately by wearing broad brimmed hats, shirts, shorts and swimsuits now available in UV-resistant fabrics. It is best to limit outdoor activities during early morning or late evening.”