Warm Weather Conditions

Warm Weather Conditions Target: I will be able to describe methods for avoiding, responding to and recovering from climate-related physical conditions Warm Weather Related Conditions: Dehydration: When you use or lose more fluid than you take in Symptoms: Dark colored urine, sensation of thirst, skin tenting Solution: Drink water! Pg. 17

The Doctor's: Dehydration

2. Heat Cramps: Involuntary and forcible muscle contractions related to the heat. Caused by: Loss of large amount of salt (sodium) and water Solution: Drink lots of water before and during activities and replenish electrolytes lost during sweating.

3. Heat Exhaustion: A heat stress illness caused by significant dehydration and overexertion in hot/humid weather Blood pools (builds up) in the legs and arms away from the brain and major organs Caused by: Excessive water loss due to intense/prolonged activities Symptoms: nausea, dizziness, fainting, headache, shortness of breath. Skin will look pale and feel cool and clammy (moist) to the touch

Solution: Move to a cool place and elevate feet

4. Heatstroke: Deadly heat stress illness resulting from dehydration and overexertion in hot/humid weather Caused by: Failure of the body to cool itself by perspiring (sweating). Core body temperature (typically 98.6 degrees) is greater than 105 degrees Fahrenheit The body can quickly reach 110 degrees within minutes of the body’s cooling mechanisms shutting down Rapid increase in core body temperature can cause brain damage, permanent disability, and death.

Symptoms: difficulty breathing, physically collapsing, absence of sweating, and bright red skin Solution: Call 911 immediately, move to a cool place if possible, drink cold water if possible, wet them down with a wet towel or sponge  

TED Video- What Happens when you get Heatstroke? Preventing Heat Related Injuries: Acclimate yourself to the climate by gradually increasing your physical activity in the hot weather over the course of 10-14 days Reduce your risk of dehydration by drinking fluids before, during, and after activity

3. Wear clothing appropriate for the activity and environment- ex: light nylon shorts and a mesh shirt 4. Use common sense: Be physically active in the early morning or postpone activity until the evening when it is cooler.   Summary:

Hot, Hot, Hot!! Dehydration On the underside of the post-it write a description of each condition. On the notebook paper below draw a picture to help you remember the condition *Use a minimum of 4 colors Heat Cramps Heat Exhaustion Heatstroke Pg. 16