HEAT SAFETY

FEELING THE HEAT

By Dave Heaton Editor/Public Information Officer Avoiding Heat Injury in Southern Utah

Our sun is a perfectly spherical ball of gas - mostly hydrogen and helium - and among a smaller class of stars, although it's 864 million miles in diameter. The sun has about 5 billion more years before its expiration and is the important source of life on earth. Sunlight is actually radiation, and although it's the most important source of life on earth, these rays and the resulting heat can be hazardous to humans. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States, resulting in approximately 400 deaths per year. To prevent heat-related fatalities or injury: • Limit or avoid strenuous outdoor activities in the heat of the day, especially if you are elderly or unaccustomed to the climate.

Try to stay in an air-conditioned place. In fact, air-conditioning is the best protection against extreme heat. • Wear lightweight, loose clothing and a hat. • Stay hydrated with plenty of water (avoid sugary drinks), even if you’re not thirsty. • Take frequent rests in the shade, if possible. • Never leave children or pets alone in a vehicle. HEAT EXHAUSTION: Can oc-

cur with prolonged exposure to heat and dehydration.

SYMPTOMS: • Heavy sweating • Skin becomes pale, cool, and moist • Rapid, weak pulse • Muscle cramps • Tired, weak • Dizziness, fainting • Headache • Nausea, vomiting TREATMENT: Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages (water is best), go to an air-conditioned building or vehicle, take a cool shower or bath. Seek medical attention if symptoms last over an hour or the person has a history of heart problems. HEAT STROKE: A serious condition that occurs when the body is no longer able to sweat and cool down. SYMPTOMS: • Very high body temperature (103° F and above) • Skin becomes red, hot, and dry • Rapid, strong pulse • Throbbing headache • Dizziness • Nausea • Confusion • Slurred speech • Unconsciousness, seizures TREATMENT: Get immediate medical assistance while cooling the victim using any methods available until temperature drops to 101-102° F at the most. Do not give fluids to drink.

SUN BURN: Sunny days in the outdoors means potential sunburn. You can also get exposed from sunlight reflected off sand, slickrock, and water. Utah has the highest rate of melanoma (skin cancer) in the nation, due in part to sun exposure at high elevations and time spent outdoors. Southern Utah averages up to 300 sunny days per year. While some exposure to sunlight can actually be beneficial, damage can start after about 15 to 20 minutes without protection. Sunburns can cause long-lasting damage to the skin, which increases the risk of skin cancer, so protection is important. The best ways to prevent sunburn are: • Apply sunscreen. Although no sunscreen is 100% effective, wear one with at least a 15 SPF (Sun Protection Factor), which blocks about 93% of damaging rays. It will need to be reapplied every two hours or after being in water. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended for children under six years old. The benefits of anything over 50

SPF are questionable. Look for a “Broad

Protection” sunscreen, which protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. • Wear a hat (⅓ of skin cancers occur on the nose) • Wear sunglasses (look for 100% UVA &

UVB protection) • Seek shade, especially from 10am to 4pm TREATMENT: Avoid repeated exposure to the sun. Take frequent cool baths or showers to relieve pain. Gently pat dry then apply a moisturizer containing aloe vera. Apply over-thecounter hydrocortisone to particularly painful areas but avoid using anything with “-caine” in the name, as they can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Take aspirin or ibuprofen if needed and drink plenty of water. While the sun is vital to the ongoing existence of life on earth, it can also be hazardous if we are exposed to its heat - and rays - beyond our ability to stay cool and covered. Enjoy the sunny days of summer, but respect the source.

Aquilegia Express This Rocky Mountain variety can be found sweeping through alpine meadows and into the woodlands.