Community Hospital-Fairfax wants to make sure every one has a safe summer
Being safe in the summer heat means keeping yourself hydrated and watching for signs
that your body is getting overheated.
ER nurse Theresa Lee, RN says the symptoms of heat stroke are easy to spot.
“If you are mildly over heated, you will experience dizziness and headaches but
if you stop sweating, that is the number one sign that something is wrong and you
should seek medical attention.” Lee said.
Prevention is easy, according to Lee, who recommends drinking water continuously,
especially if you are working in the heat for an extended period of time.
“Some people like to drink Gatorade and energy drinks while they work. One Gatorade
is fine, but drinking water is the best thing you can do for your body.”
Lee also reminds those who spend a lot of time in the sun to wear light clothing
and take breaks in shaded areas.
Lee explains that signs of heat stroke can be detected early enough that most people
can treat themselves.
“If you see the symptoms, find a shady spot, drink water and try to cool down,”
Lee said.
Patients who visit the ER at Community Hospital-Fairfax for heat stroke are given
an IV for fluids and a cool pack to bring their body temperature down.
Another way to take care of yourself in the summer is protecting your skin from
the sun. The Community Hospital-Fairfax development reminded people to keep themselves
protected by handing out free packets of sun block the Tarkio Fly-In on Saturday,
July 11.