Much of South Georgia is under a heat advisory Wednesday afternoon. And here in Albany, the heat index reached nearly 110 degrees. Luckily plenty of people were taking precautions today and found ways to beat the heat.
It's a regular Wednesday for construction worker Maurice Williams and his co-workers. While the heat index is reaching well over 100 degrees, work doesn't stop. But Williams says they make sure to take breaks, drink water and work together.
"If one of the guys in the hole and he can't get out and get nothing to drink, we'll get him something to drink. We keep doing what we got to do to make sure everybody stays healthy and nobody gets sick out here," said Williams.
Health officials say heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common, especially for folks like Williams.
"They really need to concentrate on taking frequent breaks to get fluids, to get out of the sun, to gain composure, and then go back to that for those folks who have to be outside with their jobs," said Sue Ewings with Dougherty County Health Department.
And that's the same rule coaches are enforcing as high school football players gear up for the season.
"Keep getting water, water yourself up and stay in and keep working hard," said Michael Watley, a football player at Dougherty High School.
Parents found Turtle Park to be the best way for kids to enjoy the outdoors, while staying cool.
"We've been coming down here to Turtle Park throughout the summer, because it has been a hot summer so this is a way of keeping them cool and also allowing them to burn off some of that excess energy," said a parent of two boys.
Health officials recommend being familiar with both heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, dizziness, throbbing headache, nausea and confusion.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion are similar, but includes muscle cramps and heavy sweating.
"If there is a problem with that they need to number one get that victim or that person out of the sun, give them first aid if necessary, cooling them down by whatever means, not to give any fluids at that particular time, keep monitoring the situation and if they need to, to dial 911," explained Ewings.
Ewings says not to give them fluids right away. "Sometimes with heat exhaustion and with heat stroke there is nausea and if they should happen to pass out and begin to vomit, having something in their stomachs would be detrimental," explained Ewings.
Health officials say heat stroke and heat exhaustion are common and the threat for them is real right now.
Follow these tips for staying hydrated:
- Try to drink 6-8 cups of water daily. For some people, less than 8 cups is enough to maintain hydration. For others, however you may need more water. If you are planning to be outside in the heat or are planning to exercise, your body will require more water to stay hydrated. You may also want to consult your doctor regarding certain medical conditions. Certain conditions can cause your body to need more water.
- Eat hydrating foods! Many fruits and vegetables are comprised primarily of water and can help you maintain healthy hydration levels.
- Limit the amount of caffeine you consume.
- Keep water with you, even if you are not hitting the gym. Keeping a large bottle of water on your desk will remind you to stay hydrated throughout the day, even if you are in the office. If you are out and about, be sure to carry a water bottle and refill it regularly.
- Extreme heat exposure can lead to a number of hazardous health conditions, in addition to dehydration including:
SUNBURN: Sunburns can be very serious. They can lead to fever, headache, swelling and blisters. Sunburn and prolonged sun exposure can also lead to lifetime skin damage and can increase the likelihood of skin cancer long term.
HEAT CRAMPS: Heat Cramps cause painful spasms of muscles, throughout the body. Heat cramps may be experienced in the abdomen, legs of other parts of the body. Heat cramps can also lead to nausea and vomiting.
HEAT EXHAUSTION: Heat exhaustion usually causes heavy sweating, clamminess, weakness and sometime fainting or vomiting. If vomiting does occur, it is crucial to seek medical attention. Heat exhaustion can have serious effects on the body. Vomiting can lead to further dehydration.
HEAT STROKE (or sunstroke):A heat stroke is often recognized when the patient experiences a rapid pulse, hot dry skin and in some cases, unconsciousness. Heat stroke is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Remember, NEVER leave a child or pet unattended in the car, especially during the summer months. Also be mindful of elderly friends, neighbors and relatives who may not have adequate cooling systems in their homes. If you suspect you, your child, or someone else is developing heat exhaustion.
For more information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, click on the link below.
http://www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org/
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