Our summer time days are getting hotter and extra harmful. As local weather change will increase the depth of warmth waves, it’s essential now greater than ever to know how excessive warmth impacts our well being and what we will do to remain secure.
Warmth waves are extra than simply uncomfortable — they’ll trigger critical well being dangers, particularly for younger youngsters, older adults, folks with persistent diseases, and folks with out entry to air con. Whether or not you’re strolling to the shop, commuting on public transit, or simply attempting to get by the day, summer time warmth could cause vital well being points.
The hazards of utmost warmth
A warmth wave is a interval of unusually excessive temperatures lasting for 2 or extra days.1 In Washington, DC, when temperatures attain 95 levels F or above, the District implements the Warmth Emergency Plan and opens cooling facilities for residents to hunt reduction from the warmth.2
When your physique can not cool itself down, it will probably overheat — particularly when humidity is excessive. That’s as a result of sweat doesn’t evaporate as simply, making it tougher to decrease your physique temperature. This may result in:
Warmth exhaustion: The physique’s response to dropping an excessive amount of water and salt, on account of sweating.3
Warmth stroke: A life-threatening emergency the place the physique’s temperature rises to 106 levels F or greater inside 10 to fifteen minutes. Warmth stroke could cause confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or demise.3
Dehydration: Happens when the physique makes use of or loses extra fluid than it is ready to substitute..4
Warning indicators of warmth sickness
Throughout occasions of utmost warmth, look ahead to these signs in your self or others — particularly youngsters and older adults:5
Dizziness
Muscle cramps or weak spot
Nausea or vomiting
Scorching, dry, or damp pores and skin
Fainting or lack of consciousness
Name 911 instantly if somebody is displaying indicators of warmth stroke or turns into unresponsive.
Suggestions for beating the warmth
Staying secure throughout a warmth wave solely requires a little bit preparation and consciousness. You possibly can keep cool throughout days of utmost warmth by:
Avoiding outside actions through the hottest a part of the day (11 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Carrying loose-fitting, light-colored garments
Taking cool showers or baths
Staying hydrated all through the day, even should you’re not thirsty
Ensuring older neighbors, associates, or relations are secure and funky
By no means leaving youngsters or pets in a parked automobile
Preserving pets indoors and hydrated
DC assets throughout warmth emergencies
The DC authorities prompts cooling facilities throughout the town throughout warmth emergencies. These are free, air-conditioned areas the place residents can get reduction from the warmth. To discover a cooling middle close to you:
Go to warmth.dc.gov
Name the DC Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093
Comply with updates from the DC Division of Human Companies
Some group facilities, libraries, and recreation facilities might also prolong their hours throughout warmth emergencies.
BESTME
College is out, wholesome rewards are in
Earlier than the back-to-school pleasure begins, now could be the proper time to deal with your well being and get rewarded for it. For those who’re a teen enrolled in AmeriHealth Caritas DC, the Wholesome Rewards Program allows you to earn reward card rewards whenever you full well being actions. Listed below are a number of methods to earn rewards:
Get your annual wellness checkup.
Go to the dentist for a cleansing.
Keep updated on vaccines.
For those who’re unsure what appointments you’ve had or want, discuss to your mother and father or caregivers that will help you evaluate your schedule. They’ll contact your supplier that will help you keep knowledgeable about your appointments.
Staying on prime of your well being now may also help you’re feeling higher and keep targeted as soon as you might be again at school. The Wholesome Rewards Program permits enrollees to earn reward playing cards to retailers akin to Walmart, Safeway, CVS Pharmacy, The Dwelling Depot, Apple, Google Play, and extra. Wholesome habits now can create a stronger you this faculty 12 months.
To be taught extra about how to enroll, go to www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/healthyrewards.
Sources
“Throughout a Heatwave,” Nationwide Climate Service, https://net.archive.org/net/20250201173950/https://www.climate.gov/security/heat-during, accessed June 9, 2025.
“Warmth Emergency Plan Info,” DC.gov, DC Homeland Safety and Emergency Administration Company,https://hsema.dc.gov/web page/heat-emergency-plan-information, accessed June 9, 2025.
“Warmth-Associated Sicknesses,” Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, September 10, 2024,https://net.archive.org/net/20250118080814/https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/heat-stress/about/diseases.html, accessed June 9, 2025.
“Dehydration,” Mayo Clinic, Might 2, 2025,https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086, accessed June 9, 2025.
“Warmth Cramps, Exhaustion, Stroke,” Nationwide Climate Service,https://net.archive.org/net/20250117232304/https://www.climate.gov/security/heat-illness, accessed June 9, 2025.
All photographs are submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia and are used below license for illustrative functions solely. Any particular person depicted is a mannequin.
