That's Dongguan Editorial

Well fellow Donguanites, summer has arrived finally and with it temps in the mid to high 30’s (or high 90’s to low 100’s for you Fahrenheit fans). It reminds me of the temps back home in Arizona, where the temps right now are in the high 40’s to low 50’s – that’s Celsius folks, (120-125 F – but it’s a dry heat). So it’s the time of year to post some helpful safety hints on dealing with the heat. Some of us work in a factory situation, and it’s not uncommon to see temps in the 40’s in the factories, an additional problem in this high heat. So, with thanks to the Mohave Daily News we offer the following advice.

Exposure to prolonged periods of high temperatures can cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion and stroke. Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious health problems.

People should drink lots of fluids, especially water, and should not wait until they are thirsty to drink. Avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps. I’ve heard that military guidelines are that if you don’t have to urinate once an hour, you’re not taking in enough fluids.

Do not drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar. Those drinks can cause people to lose more body fluid.

Stay indoors as much as possible and stay in an air-conditioned place if possible. If your home does not have an air-conditioner, go to someplace that does, such as a library or shopping mall

Electric fans provide comfort but fans do not prevent heat-related illnesses. Take a cool shower or bath.

Wear light-weight, light color, loose fitting clothing. Never leave anyone or pets in a closed, parked car

Infants, young children, people 65 years old or older, people with heart disease or high blood pressure or people with mental illness are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

Limit outdoor activity to the morning or evening hours. If going outdoors, rest often in shady areas. Wear sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, a wide brim hat and sunglasses, or do what the locals around here do, carry an umbrella.

Heat stroke is when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. The body temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails and the body is unable to cool down. Warning signs of heat stroke are red, hot, dry skin, a rapid and strong pulse, throbbing headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion or unconsciousness.

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, get them to a shady place and cool the victim by immersing in cool water. Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat stroke. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are the elderly, people with high-blood pressure and people working or exercising outdoors.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, headaches and dizziness.

If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, they should rest, take a cool shower and drink cool drinks as directed by a doctor.

Seek medical attention if the symptoms worsen or last longer than an hour.

Heat cramps occur to those who sweat a lot during strenuous activity. Stop the activity and rest in a cool place. Drink water or a sports drink. Do not return to the activity for a few hours and seek medical attention if the cramps do not subside after an hour.

Sunburns damage the skin and can cause skin cancer. Symptoms are red, painful and warm skin after sun exposure. Avoid repeated exposure to the sun. Apply a cold compress or immerse the body in cold water.

Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather. Heat rash is likely to occur on the neck, in elbow creases or on the upper chest and is most common in young children. Keep the area dry and cool. Avoid using ointments or creams.

So, now's a good time to stay indoors, catch up on watching all those DVD's we've been stocking up on and stay cool.