Keep Your Cool. (Cont from page 1)

Dehydration can also be a serious heat-related illness. Children and people over 60 are most susceptible to dehydration. Dehydration is a result of the body losing water content and essential body salts, such as sodium, calcium bicarbonate, and phosphate. In addition to being caused by overexposure to the sun, dehydration can also be caused by diarrhea and vomiting, and drugs taht deplete the body of fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration should be treated as soon as possible.

The most common symptoms of dehydration include: thirst, urinating less often, dry skin, fatigue, light-headedness and dizziness, confusion, dry mouth, and increased heart rate and breathing. Children may have additional symptoms, such as lack of tears when crying, no wet diapers for more than three hours, high fever, listlessness, irritability, and sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks.

Dehydration can often be treated at home if it is caught early enough. Treat mild dehydration by drinking fluids, especially water and drinks that replace electrolytes and salt balance, such as sports drinks. For children, dehydration should be treated according to the cause of the dehydration, so be sure to consult their pediatrician.

For moderate dehydration, intravenous fluids may be required. Serious dehydration should be treated as a medical emergency. Call 911.

Prevent or reduce your risk of dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids, especially when out in the sun, or suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. Try to schedule outdoor activities for the cooler parts of the day. If you must be outdoors in times of high heat or sun, sports drinks will help maintain electrolyte balance. For infants and young children, Pediatlye and similar drinks will help maintain electrolyte balance during illness or heat exposure. Do not try to make salt solutions at home for children. (source: University of Maryland Medicine - http://www.umm.edu/non_trauma/dehydration.htm)

Sun burn is an often painful skin condition that occurs as a result of overexposure to the ultraviolet rays of the sun (or sun lamps). People with fair hair and skin are most susceptible to sunburn, but everyone can get sunburned and should protect themselves from it. Certain medications can also make people more susceptible to sunburn.

Symptoms of sunburn may not be visible for a few hours, with the full effects not visible for up to 24 hours. Symptoms include: skin that is red, warm, and tender to the touch. Skin could also blister or swell. Sunburned skin may peel or blister several days after exposure. Severe reaction to sunburn, sometimes called sun poisoning, can include: fever, chills, nausea, and rash.

To treat sunburn, apply cool baths or compresses to the skin several times per day, keeping in mind that young children can easily become chilled, so keep their water tepid. Baking soda in the water can help alleviate the pain. You can also apply soothing creams to the burned areas (see "do not" section below) and administer Tylenol or other acetaminiphen to help relieve the pain. Aspirin should not be given to children. Do not apply petroleum jelly or butter to the affected area; they will only make the symptoms worse and keep the area from healing. Do not wash the area with a harsh soap or use over-the-counter creams and sprays that may contain benzocaine, as it often causes an allergic reaction.

Call 911 immediately if there are signs of shock (faintness or dizziness, rapid pulse/breathing, increased thirst, cool, clammy, or pale skin), the person has eye pains and is sensitive to light, the person is experiencing nausea or fever, or the sunburn is severe and painful.

To protect yourself from sunburn, wear sunscreen (minimum SPF 15 recommended) and try to avoid outdoor activities when the sun is at its strongest, typically from 10:00am to 2:00pm standard time. Keep in mind that the sun's rays are stronger at higher altitudes and when reflected off snow, sand, or water. Sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to exposure to allow time for it to penetrate. Use a lip balm with sunscreen. Children should wear sunhats. To protect your eyes, wear sunglasses that protect against UV rays.

Don't be afraid to go out and enjoy yourself this summer, just be sure to take along the sunscreen, sunglasses, and some cool, refreshing water. If you feel yourself getting overheated, get in the shade for awhile. A little common sense goes a long way. Happy picnicking!