Everett Hospital Reporting Increase In Heat Related Issues

June 30, 2015

Everett

heat

Why yes, it is hot in Everett today…

Given the current heat wave and with no sign of things getting cooler over the next few days, MyEverettNews.com checked in with Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett regarding ways to stay cool. Dr. Ryan Keay, Medical Director of their Emergency Department tells us they are seeing more heat related complaints and she compiled the following suggestions that while may seem very basic are really good reminders for all of us.

We are seeing increased heat related complaints, and the populations at highest risk are the young and the elderly.

Below are some preventative tips:

1. Take frequent breaks out of the sun

2. Keep water with you at all times and don’t forget to stay hydrated when you’re playing in the water.

3. Never leave pets or children in cars, even with the windows rolled down. It may be tempting to leave a sleeping child while you run quickly in the store. Young children are particularly at risk, as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults.

4. Never exercise in hot weather unless you’ve gradually acclimatized yourself to the conditions over time.

5. Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day

6. Wear light, loose clothing

7. Hydrate with water before, during and after exertion. Consider electrolyte replacement drinks if you are sweating a lot.

8. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and reapply sunscreen frequently.

9. Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks while exerting yourself in the sun.

· If you start to feel nausea, dizziness, weakness, headachy, pale/cool/moist skin, fast or weak pulse, disoriented, pale, muscle cramps, fainting or feeling tired – immediately remove yourself from the sun, rest, consider a cool shower and hydrate. Disregarding these symptoms can lead to more serious conditions, such as heat stroke.

· It’s also important to remember water safety. We are seeing increasing numbers of near-drownings as people go to pools and lakes to cool off. Children should be wearing life jackets and NEVER combine alcohol and water-play.

Below are some water safety tips:

1. Actively supervise children in and around water, giving them your undivided attention.

2. Whether you’re swimming in a backyard pool or in a lake, teach children to swim with an adult. Older, more experienced swimmers should still swim with a partner every time. From the first time your kids swim, teach children to never go near or in the water without an adult present.

3. Wear a properly fitted life jacket. Life jackets are not babysitters, direct supervision still required.

4. Install safety gates and door alarms on homes with pools in the backyard.

5. For adults, know your limits, even the strongest swimmer can drown. Over exertion and alcohol are both factors in adult drowning.

6. Learn CPR and call 911 as quickly as possible.


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My Everett News is a hyperlocal news website featuring news and events in Everett, Washington. We also cover City of Everett information and items of interest to those who live and work in Everett.

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