A Capable Disabled Group Community Group
We would be delighted to have you join our group. A Capable Disabled Group is a mutual support group for persons who are disabled, handicapped, differently abled, or have other conditions, along with our friends and caregivers. We discuss what matters to us, learn from each other, and strive to improve our lives.
The sweltering days of summer have arrived in much of the world, and to stay alive and healthy, we need to stay cool. Following are some cool tips for hot weather.
Know and go to cool zones in your area: public libraries, indoor shopping centers, large retail stores, civic/community/recreation centers, museums, religious centers, and other places that have cooling air conditioning units or air circulating fans, or at least shade.
"Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun." -Author Unknown. As much as you are able, avoid going out in the hot afternoon sunlight (usually between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). When you must go out, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat. Hats with wide brims are recommended. A baseball cap will reduce sunburn to your face, but not the back of your neck.
Avoid using salt tablets (unless directed to do so by a physician) and avoid putting too much salt on your food.
If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather. Diuretics cause the body to lose fluids.
Take cool baths or showers.
Air out hot cars before getting into them.
Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do create a breeze which cools your body.
Slow down. Be your most active during the coolest part of the day.
Drink more fluids than usual, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they increase the heat's effects on your body.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open, when safe to do so.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
Heat Exhaustion
When bodily fluids are lost through heavy sweating, blood flow to vital organs is reduced. This results in a mild form of shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
Symptoms Include
-Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
-Heavy sweating
-Headache
-Nausea or vomiting
-Dizziness
-Exhaustion
-Body temperature will be near normal
Treatment
Get the other person or yourself to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes and ice packs. If the person is conscious, give a half glass of cool water to drink every 15 minutes, making sure the person drinks slowly. Do not give water or put anything into the mouth of an unconscious person.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may occur.
Symptoms Include
-Hot, red skin
-Little or no sweat
-Changes in consciousness
-Rapid, weak pulse
-Rapid, shallow breathing
-Body temperature can be very high
Treatment
Call emergency services (9-1-1 in the U.S.) or a doctor immediately. Move the person to a cooler place, and quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Use ice packs. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down, and continue to cool the body. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
If you have any other tips for staying alive and healthy during the hottest periods of the year, please share them with your friends in the Able Disabled Group. Thanks, and have a super summer!
Know and go to cool zones in your area: public libraries, indoor shopping centers, large retail stores, civic/community/recreation centers, museums, religious centers, and other places that have cooling air conditioning units or air circulating fans, or at least shade.
"Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun." -Author Unknown. As much as you are able, avoid going out in the hot afternoon sunlight (usually between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.). When you must go out, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun's heat. Hats with wide brims are recommended. A baseball cap will reduce sunburn to your face, but not the back of your neck.
Avoid using salt tablets (unless directed to do so by a physician) and avoid putting too much salt on your food.
If you take diuretics, ask your physician about a lower dosage during hot weather. Diuretics cause the body to lose fluids.
Take cool baths or showers.
Air out hot cars before getting into them.
Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do create a breeze which cools your body.
Slow down. Be your most active during the coolest part of the day.
Drink more fluids than usual, even if you do not feel thirsty. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine; they increase the heat's effects on your body.
Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not being used, stay on the lowest floor. Keep shades down and blinds closed, but windows slightly open, when safe to do so.
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increases metabolic heat.
Heat Exhaustion
When bodily fluids are lost through heavy sweating, blood flow to vital organs is reduced. This results in a mild form of shock. If not treated, the victim may suffer heat stroke.
Symptoms Include
-Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin
-Heavy sweating
-Headache
-Nausea or vomiting
-Dizziness
-Exhaustion
-Body temperature will be near normal
Treatment
Get the other person or yourself to a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet clothes and ice packs. If the person is conscious, give a half glass of cool water to drink every 15 minutes, making sure the person drinks slowly. Do not give water or put anything into the mouth of an unconscious person.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke can be life-threatening. The victim's temperature control system, which produces sweat to cool the body, stops working. Body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may occur.
Symptoms Include
-Hot, red skin
-Little or no sweat
-Changes in consciousness
-Rapid, weak pulse
-Rapid, shallow breathing
-Body temperature can be very high
Treatment
Call emergency services (9-1-1 in the U.S.) or a doctor immediately. Move the person to a cooler place, and quickly cool the body. Immerse victim in a cool bath, or wrap wet sheets around the body and fan it. Use ice packs. Watch for signals of breathing problems. Keep the person lying down, and continue to cool the body. If the victim refuses water or is vomiting, or there are changes in the level of consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
If you have any other tips for staying alive and healthy during the hottest periods of the year, please share them with your friends in the Able Disabled Group. Thanks, and have a super summer!
If you get too hot put your head under a faucet to wet your head. This will immediately cool you off.
Try to keep your feet cool. Wear loose fitting sandals or flip-flops. Try not to wear thick socks because this will keep your feet hot. If your feet are hot , your hot. If your feet are cold, then your cold.
Try to stay cool....