How dangerous is hot
weather?
PRNewswire -- When summer heat
pushes into the 90s, it's time to take action to protect yourself
and your loved ones. But how smart are you about the heat? Dr.
Joseph Hobbs, Chief of Family Medicine at MCG Health System, offers
the following quiz to test your heat IQ.
1) Those at greatest risk for
heat illness include:
a) Young children, the
elderly, the obese and the sick
b) All ages and conditions
c) Young children and the
elderly
While all ages can be at risk for
heat illness, those at greatest risk are those in category "a."
2) It is dangerously hot when:
a) The heat index reaches at
least 85 degrees.
b) The heat index reaches at
least 90 degrees.
c) The heat index reaches at
least 100 degrees.
The correct answer is "b." The
heat index is how hot it feels when both temperature and humidity
are taken into consideration. Even if the outside temperature is
only in the mid-80s, the humidity can make it feel like it's over 90
degrees outside. That can become a dangerous situation if the heat
overcomes your body's ability to regulate its internal temperature.
3) You can help prevent heat
illness and keep cool by:
a) Staying in a cool,
air-conditioned place and staying hydrated
b) Wearing lightweight
clothing, a hat and sunscreen
c) All of the above
The correct answer is "c." Cooling
centers and other public places offer relief for those without air
conditioning. Note that an electric fan is not enough to keep you
cool and safe if the heat index is 100 or more.
4) What should you drink to cool
off?
a) Water, diluted fruit juice
and sports drinks
b) Any type of cool liquid is
appropriate
c) Milk, soda or iced tea
The correct answer is "a." While
alcohol, sodas and other drinks containing caffeine are popular
choices, particularly at outdoor events or when people are enjoying
leisure activities outdoors, they actually make you lose water
faster.
5) The first sign that you are
becoming dehydrated is:
a) Flushed face and excessive
sweating
b) Thirst
c) Headache and dizziness
The correct answer is "b." Ward
off thirst and dehydration by drinking plenty of fluid before,
during and after activity, and throughout the day.
Remember that heat illness happens
in stages. Inadequate fluid intake or persistent thirst can be
followed by more extreme symptoms such as headache and flushed skin,
progressing to dizziness and weakness, and finally to rapid
heartbeat, lack of sweating, loss of consciousness, even death. If
you notice early signs that you are becoming dehydrated, stop
activity, go to a cool place and drink cool liquids. By acting
early, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from the
dangers of hot weather.