Beat the Heat

It’s a hot one out there! This year seems like we are right on schedule with both the heat and humidity!

Summer can be the best time of the year to get outdoors to do all the fun activities such as exercising, picnics, swimming, gardening, and so much more. The combination of both heat and humidity can also bring many health concerns. There are a few serious health concerns that can happen if we don’t play it safe in the sun.

First, did you know that some medications can cause sensitivity to the sun? Some medicines contain ingredients that may cause photosensitivity (a chemically induced change in the skin). Listed below are just a few medications that cause sensitivity to the sun.  Always be sure to check with your physician or pharmacist about the medications prescribed for you. 

Medications that cause sensitivity to the sun:

Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, doxycycline, levofloxacin, ofloxacin, tetracycline, trimethoprim)

Antifungals (flucytosine, griseofulvin, voriconazole)

Antihistamines (cetirizine, diphenhydramine, loratadine, promethazine, cyproheptadine)

Cholesterol lowering drugs (simvastatin, atorvastatin, lovastatin)

Diuretics (thiazide diuretics: hydrochlorothiazide, chlorthalidone, chlorothiazide.; other diuretics: furosemide and triamterene)

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, piroxicam, ketoprofen)

Second, heat exhaustion can happen if we aren’t careful. It can be the result of your body overheating from high weather temperatures. Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion may develop suddenly or over time. Heat exhaustion signs and symptoms can include:

• Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Faintness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Weak, rapid pulse
• Low blood pressure upon standing
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea
• Headache

Heatstroke can be the most serious of health concerns and requires immediate medical care. Heatstroke, also called sunstroke is a serious, potentially life-threatening form of heat illness which results from prolonged exposure to, or physical exertion in, high temperatures. The hallmark symptom of heat stroke is a core body temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Other symptoms include:

• Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, irritability, delirium, seizures and coma can all result from heatstroke.
• Skin will feel hot and dry to the touch. However, in heatstroke brought on by strenuous exercise, your skin may feel dry or slightly moist.
• You may feel sick to your stomach or vomit.
• Your skin may turn red as your body temperature increases.
• Rapid breathing – Your breathing may become rapid and shallow.
• Your pulse may significantly increase because heat stress places a tremendous burden on your heart to help cool your body.
• You may experience a headache.

Heatstroke is a medical emergency! Act fast. Call 911 It could mean the difference of life or death.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are preventable! Note the following as some tips that will help you beat the heat and stay safe:

Protect yourself against sunburn: Always apply sunscreen. Sunburn can affect your body’s ability to cool itself.

Stay hydrated: It will help your body sweat and maintain a normal body temperature.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the medications prescribed for you: Some prescribed medications  can affect your body’s ability to stay hydrated and dissipate heat.

Never sit in a hot car: When parked in the sun, the temperature in your car can rise 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes.

Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather: If you must go out, try to plan activities in early morning or evening when it is cooler outside. Limit your sun time, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Summer is such a beautiful time of the year and gives us so many opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.