Heatwaves can be particularly intense, even reaching up to a hundred and three degrees in places like Salt Lake City last July. Global warming has only made the situation worse. Summers are hotter than ever, and nothing seems to work even if your ac unit is cranked up to its coldest. However, it is still advisable to get an electric fan or an AC unit in Salt Lake City and other areas, as well as have regular baths and the occasional dips in the pool or beach during summer. As much as possible, do not go out to unshaded areas from noon up to three in the afternoon. Try to avoid the heat as much as you can. If not, you might be risking the following health problems
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is one of the most dangerous reactions to heated temperatures. It is a precursor to the more dangerous and even fatal heatstroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, tiredness, nausea, cramps, and the slowing down of your pulse. When this happens, there is an increased chance of heat exhaustion leading to heatstroke.
Heat Stroke
Usually, in a warm environment, your sweat glands would cause perspiration (or sweating) to cool down your body. However, prolonged exposure to hot temperatures can push the limits of the human body, to the point where your sweating mechanism shuts down. Think of it as a busted cooling system, which happens when it is overused or not given ample time to regain energy. Your body is a machine that becomes overheated, and heatstroke can lead to serious health problems unless you immediately seek help from a doctor. The elderly have a higher risk of heatstroke. Its symptoms include a rapid, strong pulse, dizziness, loss of consciousness, and the loss of sweat.
If you are with someone suffering from a possible heat stroke and are waiting for medical attention, take note of the following first aid precautions: Give them a cool bath or provide cool cloths to place on their skin. Move them to a cool place, if possible. Note that you shouldn’t give them anything to drink.
Other problems
Heat causes the body to slow down, leading to slower reflexes. Physical health might even be compromised since it is safer to stay indoors than take a walk or play outside. The heat from the sun also combines with polluted gas to form ozone, which makes the planet warmer and the air dirtier. Respiratory diseases are an indirect effect of excessive heat, which is a direct effect of global warming.
Another way to prevent such disasters and physical ailments is to help the environment. Initiate and participate in programs that promote earth-friendly living, such as biking, recycling, and tree-planting. Plant a lot of trees to provide shade and clear the air, making people less dependent on their cooling systems and encouraging them to take a walk. Try not to buy products wrapped in single-use plastic and throw your trash in the proper bins. Our bodies cannot cope with our rapidly-changing environment sometimes. We have to slow the changes down for our children and grandchildren until they are no longer a problem.
