Precautionary safety measures against extreme summer heat

Jul 18 2011

With Minnesota's extreme heat, the Minnesota Chiropractic Association (MCA) would like to remind the public to take extra precautionary measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable summer.

MCA President, Dr. Jennifer Naas explains that "prevention is a critical part of overall health and wellness." She added that "the Center for Disease Control has a great list to safety tips that we all could benefit from."

Safety Tips:

• Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, movie theaters, public libraries, or public health sponsored heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Drink cool, nonalcoholic beverages and increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration.  Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar—these actually can cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Elderly people (65 years and older), and people with chronic health conditions are more prone to heat stress. Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors. If necessary, move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.
• Do not leave anyone--children, disabled individuals, pets--in cars for even brief periods. Temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
• Use fans to increase ventilation. If the temperatures exceed 90 degrees F, instead of having a fan blow hot air in from a window, have the fan blow the hot air to the outside.   At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness. 
• Cool showers, baths, and sponge baths can be used to reduce body temperatures. In addition, wet clothing has a cooling effect.

"Chiropractic is a wellness based profession. More and more people are beginning to make the connection between overall health and wellness and chiropractic care," stated Dr. Naas.