Summer Heat is No Day at the Beach
Contact: Beth Singer (804) 864-7635
Overview:
Summer temperatures in Virginia normally climb into the upper 90’s and even reach over 100 degrees at times. People can suffer ill health effects when their body temperature control system is on overload. A person’s body temperature can shoot up when normal sweating cannot cool it quickly enough in extreme heat. Damage to the brain or other vital organs can result from very high body temperatures.
What you need to know:
- Heat Stroke-When the body cannot control its
temperature anymore because of high external
temperatures, the internal temperature rises quickly, sweating stops and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperatures can go as high as 106 degrees in
15 minutes. Death or permanent disability can result without emergency treatment.
- Heat Exhaustion-When the body loses too much water and salt from sweating due to the high external temperature, heat exhaustion can result.
- Heat Cramps-When people sweat profusely during physical activity, painful muscle cramps can result as the body depletes its salt and fluid. Muscle cramps in the stomach, legs or arms are symptoms. If they occur
during swimming, the results can be dangerous.
- Drink Plenty of Fluids-Drink 2-4 glasses of cool fluids each hour.
- Keep Cool Indoors-If you can, stay in an air-conditioned area. If you don’t have air-conditioning, contact your local health department to see if there are heat-relief shelters near you.
