Friday Follies...
It's a weekend...!
And the type of "follies" we have today are of a more serious note. In some cases a DEADLY serious note. (if you're not careful)
Here in the Heartland of America, it's going to be a SWELTERING weekend.
Heat index slightly over the century mark for a lot of northern Indiana.
Feels like a Philly summer to me (again).
Yes, indeed...the DOG DAYS of Summer have arrived.
So how can we really beat the heat?
First thing you can do...hydration, hydration, hydration!!!
I can't stress that enough.
Our bodies temperature hovers around 98.6 degrees F, and that's all well and good when we perspire when exposed to ambient air that is COOLER than our body The problem occurs when it gets close to out OWN temperature outside.
During a heat spell, or working outdoors in the heat, we can lose up to a GALLON of water through perspiration, depending on HOW hot is is, and HOW hard we're working. We need to replenish that...ASAP.
Heat stroke is one of those sneaky-ass things...creeps up on you nice and slow.
But don't take my word for it...let's see what medicinenet.com has to say:
(( Heat stroke is a form of hyperthermia, an abnormally elevated body temperature with accompanying physical and neurological symptoms. Unlike heat cramps and heat exhaustion, two other forms of hyperthermia that are less severe, heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if not properly and promptly treated.
Heat stroke is also sometimes referred to as heatstroke.
The body normally generates heat as a result of metabolism, and is usually able to dissipate the heat by either radiation of heat through the skin or by evaporation of sweat. However, in extreme heat, high humidity, or vigorous physical exertion under the sun, the body may not be able to dissipate the heat and the body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106 F (41.1 C) or higher. Another cause of heat stroke is dehydration. A dehydrated person may not be able to sweat fast enough to dissipate heat, which causes the body temperature to rise. ))
Sounds pretty serious to me.
Anyone who is familiar with body temperature also knows that ANY prolonged body temperature of 104 degrees F or higher runs the risk of brain damage as well. That's why high fevers have to be treated STAT.
Heat stroke often can mimic a heart attack with it symptoms which include:
Nausea - vomiting - fatigue - weakness - headache - muscle cramps (and aches) - and dizziness.
You can also suffer from something called an ocular migraine...think about having a flashbulb go off in your face, and those "lights" in the path of your vision.
That's what it looks like, but it tends to grow until much of your vision is impaired, and can last from 30-40 minutes before it subsides. You may of may not suffer a physical headache with this. I know...I've had these before working in the hot sun. Gives you a real feeling of disorientation.
And, of course, being outside in the hot and humid sun, there is always a risk of skin cancer, if you're not properly blocking those nasty UV rays.
This goes for the EYES as well. Don;t rely just on regular glasses that "darken" whenever you venture outside.
Either get a pair of prescription sunglasses with proper UV coatings on the lenses, or opt for sunglasses themselves with UV protection.
Same goes for a sunblock if you're going to be outside for extended periods.
And for heaven's sake...keep your HEAD covered!
I can't stress that enough.
People think that because most body heat if given off by the scalp, that being outside in sweltering summer heat without head protection is pretty much a "no-brainer" (no pun intended). But think about what I mentioned earlier...
The BRAIN can become overstressed when it becomes overheated, and we don't sweat nearly as much from the scalp, since the lack of sebaceous glands takes care of that nicely...besides, we've got way too many capillaries up there cooling the old noggin down.
But when you expose the scalp to all that heat, the body's natural cooling suffers what Californians love to call a "rolling brown out", and that's when the bad stuff happens.
Remember that I said the temperature of the BRAIN was critical...and it is, so get thee to a haberdashery, and get thy cranium covered, verily.
(buy a freaking hat or some decent covering)
Now, if you absolutely, positively HAVE to be outside in the heat (and I've been down THAT street more than a few times), take frequent breaks. Slow and steady wins the race under such conditions. And it's always nice to go HOME at day's end, rather than to the ER (no matter how good-looking the staff might be).
And drink PLENTY of fluids....
That means NO alcoholic beverages...period.
Alcohol acts as a diuretic, and the last thing you want to do in 100 degree heat is lose MORE water, right?
Not to mention...alcohol DOES impair judgment (who knew?), and something else you don't want to be in such hot weather is STUPID on top of being dehydrated, right?
If you're inside, no sweat (literally and figuratively), but outside for prolonged period...water or a sport drink like Gatorade or Powerade works just fine. They replenish all those electrolytes the body tends to flush out while perspiring.
Soda isn't always a good choice either, as it never REALLY quenches your thirst...only delays it for a brief time.
Now, I said all that to say this...
If you are elderly, have small infants, or a pre-existing condition such as a breathing disorder, or heart condition, DO take it easy outside.
Even if you're just running some errands, going from the A/C in the car, through a steamy parking lot to the A/C in the store, it can get the old sinuses playing the accordion like Frankie Yankovich...and you could wind up with a sinus headache.
And by ALL means...with the onset of such heat AND humidity, people's "patience-thresholds" will be maxxed the hell out!
The least little thing can set off some people on days such as this.
Driving (for them) takes on a whole new meaning, and tempers might flare up.
It's up to YOU to keep YOUR cool.
Don't try to get out and mow that lawn...unless you really LIKE passing out in 90+ degree heat.
KNOW your limitations.
Knowledge is the key when it comes to dealing with heat waves...or any type of situation.
And, as we ALL know....KNOWLEDGE IS POWER.
So kick back if it's "hazy, hot and humid" where you are...things will get done in their own good time.
Have plenty of ice for that drink.
Put on some good soothing music and go read that book you've been putting off.
Work on those crafts or watch the birds on your patio from inside the house.
Play that favorite movie again, or just be a couch potato for the day.
The only limit to what you CAN do in hot weather is YOUR OWN MIND.
Enjoy the weekend...pace yourself, and take along some fluids for re hydration.
Crank up the A/C a notch, turn the lights out, and treat yourself...you EARNED it. (I'm gonna be workin' on my models watching the rabbits on the patio, and maybe even having a scotch on the rocks sometime during the next 72 hrs as I peruse my freshly-received copy of GUNS magazine...yeah, I live a REAL devil-may-care life, huh?)
Remember, we'll all be digging out the snow shovels and ice skates in a couple of months again anyway. And then we'll all be pissing and moaning about driving in sleet and ice, snow taking wires down, outing our power, and having to scrape the windshields of our vehicles...always fun, right?
And here's a snowy scene to remind you of all that nice weather when compared to all this heat (we call them seasons for a reason...LOL)
Falling leaves, cooler temps, winter clothing...all that stuff awaits us.
That will come later...but not today.
Today, we stay cool and comfy.
Have yourselves a great weekend.
Be well, make a difference, and...as always...
Stay safe out there, America.