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how to beat the heat, heat stroke, heat exhaustion and miserable heat index.
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2015Jul 19
My name is Barbara Grubbs. I'm a nurse practitioner and I want to help you reach your optimal health. Get my free e-report now! https://barbaragrubbs.mykajabi.com/p/... I also have a quick, free, fun video that I put together that you are welcome to check out here. https://barbaragrubbs.mykajabi.com/p/... Also, join my hot vip email list too. The best place to get special offers! t's free as well! https://barbaragrubbs.mykajabi.com/p/... Let's stay connected! Let me know what you want to learn from me ! http://www.barbaragrubbs.com My Vlog on Heat exhaustion and Heat Stroke. Please also visit http://www.ForPreventionSake.com for more information and health and wellness tips. Barbara Grubbs, Nurse Practitioner. Columbia, SC Health and Wellness Tips from Nurse Practitioner Barbara Grubbs. PO Box 210062 Columbia, SC 29221 barbara@barbaragrubbs.com Heat and Humidity in the Summer can be miserable and dangerous. Prolonged exposure to high extreme temperatures can actually dehydrate and overheat our bodies. This is called heat exhaustion and the worse it is the more damage it can do. In severe cases it causes “heat stroke” which can even lead to to death. Our body’s organs were not meant to withstand extremely high temperatures. Many people have no choice but to be out in the heat of day. Some outdoor professions even require wearing cumbersome uniforms or hot, heavy gear. So how do you know when your body is overheating? Well basically, you will feel and look sick. You will probably get flushed, nauseated, have trouble concentrating and start having stomach cramps. You may get weak, become thirsty, start breathing fast, and sweat profusely. Your body temperature would be high if you checked it with a thermometer. Likely over 100.4 degrees. In severe cases your body temperature may reach 103 or even 104 degrees. This is very dangerous and you should seek medical treatment immediately. Other red flags include increased confusion, loss of consciousness, frequent vomiting, dry hot skin, trouble breathing, or even seizures. If the heat index is 90 degrees or higher you should take extra precautions to protect yourself. The heat index is how hot it FEELS outside in the shade. It takes into consideration not only the temperature outside but humidity as well. The damp air will prevent sweat from evaporating from your skin and hinder your body’s ability to cool itself. The best advice I can give you to protect yourself is to stay inside with air conditioning or oscillating fans. Try to schedule outside activities for cooler times of the day; before 10am or after 6pm. If you absolutely must be outdoors in the heat of the day, then try to stay in cool or shady areas and remove any extra layers of clothing that you can. Wear lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. You may also consider wearing a wide brimmed hat, visor or sweatband and using an umbrella for even more protection. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid caffeinated beverages such as soda, tea, and coffee. Avoid alcohol and sugary sports drinks as well as they can contribute to dehydration and make you feel worse. To replenish the salt that you lose through sweating, try adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt to your bottled water. Drink several bottles of water throughout the day. If symptoms of heat exhaustion start then get out of the heat immediately. Find a place to rest and elevate your legs to help improve blood flow to your brain. Apply ice or cool towels to the groin, armpits, neck and head. You can also use a damp cool cloth to rub over your body and a spray bottle to mist cool water on your skin. If you or someone you know is unable to recover from heat exhaustion and/or it worsens then seek medical attention. I hope this helps you plan for a safer summer. Share this information with friends, family and co-workers.

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Barbara Grubbs, Nurse Practitioner. Health, Wellness, & Chronic Illness Support

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