SYRACUSE — With a heatwave expected to continue this week, be sure to protect your heart in the heat. With temperatures forecasted in the 90s, and real feel temperatures even higher, it’s important to know that extreme heat can be hard on the heart.
As the temperature rises, so can your risk for suffering health issues like heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Doctors recommend using good judgment when it comes to activities outside in the heat, and that you stay hydrated.
During hot weather, it’s important that you take the right precautions:
Watch the clock: It’s best to avoid the outdoors in the early afternoon (about noon to 3 p.m.) because the sun is usually at its strongest, putting you at higher risk for heat-related illnesses.
Get off on the right foot: You probably sweat the most in your shoes, so choose well-ventilated shoes and look for socks that repel perspiration. Foot powders and antiperspirants can also help with sweat.
Dress for the heat: Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing in breathable fabrics such as cotton, or a newer fabric that repels sweat.
Add a hat and/or sunglasses. Before you get started, apply a water-resistant sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply it every two hours.
Drink up: Stay hydrated by drinking a few cups of water before, during and after your exercise. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages.
Take regular breaks: Find some shade or a cool place, stop for a few minutes, hydrate and start again
Follow the doctor’s orders: If you are a heart patient, older than the age of 50, overweight or just starting an exercise program, be sure to check with your doctor for your best exercise routine.
If you do want to be active during hot weather, doctors say it is alright if the activity is something you are used to, but it is not the time to push yourself.
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms when you may be experiencing too much heat.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion:
headaches
heavy sweating
cold, moist skin, chills
dizziness or fainting (syncope)
a weak and rapid pulse
muscle cramps
fast, shallow breathing
nausea, vomiting or both
If you experience these symptoms, move to a cooler place, stop exercising and cool down immediately by dousing yourself with cold water and rehydrating.
You may need to seek medical attention.
Symptoms of heat stroke:
warm, dry skin with no sweating
strong and rapid pulse
confusion and/or unconsciousness
high fever
throbbing headaches
nausea, vomiting or both
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
For more information, tips and advice on how to take care of your heart, visit www.heart.org.
About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world.
We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.
The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke.
To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Discover more from Oswego County Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
